Staten Island opens drive-through virus testing

New York City is expanding appointment-only testing to 10 acute-care hospitals, seven community-based health centers and four drive-through sites, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

At a drive-through on Staten Island, a trickle of motorists Thursday were directed to one of four reception-style tents by state troopers wearing face masks.

One trooper told drivers through a speaker to keep their car windows up and a photo ID on their dashboards until they drove inside.

State officials said the testing site in the parking lot of a psychiatric facility will eventually expand to six lanes and test hundreds of people a day.

Drive-through testing sites were set up this week in at least five locations in upstate New York, but officials have said there could be problems getting enough testing materials.

COVID-19 causes mild symptoms in most people but can cause serious illness for some, including older adults and those with certain conditions such as respiratory illness. Most people recover.