Transit Workers Eligible for State’s Covid-19 Antibody Testing
We are pleased to inform you that the MTA is expanding their antibody testing program to include Northwell Health-GoHealth and BioReference Laboratories.
Beginning Monday, May 18th, you will be able to get a free test at 52 Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care facilities in the New York metropolitan region. You can schedule your test beginning today at www.gohealthuc.com/nyc or by calling 718-987-4893. Northwell Health-GoHealth facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. on weekends.
BioReference Laboratories, which has been testing employees at various MTA locations, will continue to do so. To register for the tests, visit https://www.bioreference-appointments.com/mta. and select an available time slot at one of the identified testing locations. You must use Chrome, Safari or Firefox browsers to access this website.
Since April 29th, BioReference has tested approximately 7,800 MTA employees.
Individuals currently exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, dry cough, shortness of breath, etc.) cannot receive antibody testing. The antibody test provides the most accurate results when done 21 to 28 days after exposure to COVID-19. This is the time the body needs to make antibodies in the blood after exposure to the disease. All other asymptomatic employees who have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 are eligible for testing.
All test results will be shared with the MTA and kept confidential, unless declined by the employee. The Union is encouraging their member to share this important information with the MTA to help guide their reopening decisions.