ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) – More than 70 million over the counter COVID tests have been distributed to New Yorkers in recent months.
This is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s efforts to keep New Yorkers protected during the pandemic. At-home rapid tests are being provided regularly to schools and nursing home throughout New York.
Elected officials in the state have received more than 2.8 million tests at no cost.
“As we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, test kits are a critical tool in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and prevent exposure to others,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to announce that today we have distributed more than 70 million over-the-counter COVID-19 tests to all New Yorkers, and I want to thank our dedicated state workers who are working day and night to fight this virus and keep our communities safe. We will continue to focus our efforts on distributing at-home tests and building up our stockpile so we can bolster our preparedness for the future and keep moving forward safely through this pandemic.”
While at home testing plays a role in identifying cases and curbing the spread, people are urged to get vaccinated and boosted as the best method of protection against COVID.
New Yorkers ages 50 and over are encouraged to get a second booster according to CDC guidance.
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