The Erie County Department of Health is expanding testing categories for people with COVID-19 symptoms who can be tested through the Erie County Public Health Lab.
A COVID-19 test will now be available to people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and who are currently working in industries deemed “essential” by New York State and the Empire Development Corporation.
Those include but are not limited to:
- utilities
- grocery stores
- pharmacies
- transportation
- restaurants
- food processing
- building cleaning and maintenance
- child care services
- auto repair
- convenience stores
- gas stations and hardware stores
COVID-19 symptoms may include fever (100.4 degrees or higher), cough or shortness of breath.
ECDOH said the testing request does not need to come from a health care provider. However, they are urging anyone who has a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms to contact their physician for medical advice and information on how to manage their symptoms.
For those hose who do not have a primary care provider, ECDOH said can provide referrals to provider offices that are accepting new patients.
Call (716) 858-2929 and select option 2 to start the testing process.
