Drive-Thru Covid-19 Testing Arrives in Niagara County

The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal reports that Niagara County Community College has been chosen by New York State to host a drive-through COVID-19 testing facility, Niagara County Public Health Director Daniel Stapleton announced Monday.

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Stapleton noted the testing will be by appointment only and done by New York State.

"You can’t have 1,000, 2,000 cars coming through without having some organization. It will be pre-registered people," Stapleton said.

Testing through the county health department has increased recently as well. with 400 county residents tested since this past Friday. Kaleida Health and Erie County each gave 600 testing kits to Niagara County, Stapleton said.

"The testing has never been as busy and as rampant as it is right now," he said.

Although Niagara County isn't operating the drive-through testing facility at NCCC, it is providing whatever help the state might need in terms of logistics or manpower according to Stapleton.

With the state operating the NCCC facility, Stapleton said he doesn't know what requirements must be met for someone to be tested but anticipated the facility will be open by the end of the week.

"I know it will be this week for sure, no doubt about it. I just can't say when," he said.

The New York State health department website says drive-through testing sites are prioritizing sampling for symptomatic people in the highest risk populations: health care workers, nursing home employees and first responders.

To schedule an appointment for testing at NCCC, residents are encouraged to call 1-888-364-3065.

Representatives of Niagara Falls Urgent Care said their location on Military Road has been testing for more than a week and is now offering testing of people who have recently had symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus.

Testing is available seven days a week at Niagara Falls Urgent Care. No appointment is necessary, representatives said. For more information, call 716-297-2052.