COVID-19 case numbers are still high in Otsego County with 49 new cases in the county yesterday, as reported by Otsego County Department of Health. Sadly, there was also a COVID-related death reported yesterday as well, bringing the total of deaths so far this year up to 8.

Even though case numbers are slowing down a little, there are still many people who are seeking tests after an exposure and I can personally tell you that unless you live in a cave and don't see anyone, it's only a matter of time before you'll be exposed to the virus. Of course, with so many needing COVID tests, the take-home test kits are getting harder to find. Not only that, but they can present a false "negative" test result more often than the tests given at a test site like SUNY Oneonta.

After having a recent COVID exposure myself, I had no trouble getting a same-day appointment at the SUNY Oneonta testing site which is easiest to access from the main entrance road (off West St.) into campus onto Ravine Parkway. Take a right-hand turn when you see the SUNY Oneonta sign and a Detour/Road Closed sign. The building is the first one on the right after that turn.

SUNY Oneonta is running this community COVID testing site as a collaborative effort with the Otsego County Department of Health, The City of Oneonta, Quadrant Biosciences (processing the tests), and New York State.

Anyone who has had contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 or is experiencing any COVID symptoms can come and get tested there. Keep in mind that almost any symptom, even just fatigue can be associated with COVID, especially the newest variant omicron. That means you should get tested for COVID even if you are experiencing very mild symptoms.

How To Get a COVID Test:

You can make an appointment through Quadrant Biosciences. CLICK HERE to learn more and register for an appointment (for convenience) or you can now just walk in to get a test during operation hours.

When You Can Get Tested:

The SUNY Oneonta site has expanded hours. It's open on Mondays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesdays from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, and Fridays from 8:30 am to noon.

The COVID-19 Test and Results:

The test given is a saliva test, the Clarifi COVID-19 Test Kit which is a non-consumer sold test approved by the FDA for emergency use only. This is a test that you will do yourself at the test site. It's very easy to do! Instructions will be given on how to do it once you get there, with help available if you need it. Basically, you swab the inside of your mouth with the swab until it's saturated with saliva. You'll be asked to create an account online to receive the results of the test which will take 24 to 48 hours. You will get an email notification when your test results are ready for viewing through the online account you will set up. If you get a "negative" test result, you can print that off and use it to return to work or school.

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Where To Go:

The testing will take place on the SUNY Oneonta campus in the Emergency Services Building in training room 26. On the campus map, the building is labeled as "ESB #11". Just follow the signs into the building once you get there. The building is the only one on a "closed" road so don't be confused by the Detour/Road Closed sign. The building is just up the hill on that road on the right. You'll see signs.

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