2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Cayuga Health Sampling Site for Tompkins County Residents

As part of our community’s effort to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Tompkins County, the Cayuga Health Sampling Site was opened on March 24, at The Shops at Ithaca Mall parking lot, 40 Catherwood Rd. Pre-register online at cayugahealth.org/ or call 607-319-5708.

    • This is a drive-thru site, where everything will be completed while you remain in your vehicle.
    • Patients who meet screening criteria (see “Who can get tested?”) can go online or call to pre-register.
    • Those not requiring testing are requested to please continue to practice social distancing and stay home.

Scroll down for information on what to expect at the Sampling Site

Who can get tested?

Tompkins County Residents are encouraged to get tested based on the following guidelines:

1. Have had a recent onset of symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or body aches
2. Have been in the same room with a person confirmed positive with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
3. Were in a situation identified by a TCHD Health Advisory that recommends precautionary testing for individuals, such as at a retail store where a worker tested positive (see examples in recent press releases).  
4. Are a health care worker, first responder, or other essential worker who directly interacts with the public while working
5. Are a worker where diagnostic testing is a requirement, request, or recommendation when returning to your workplace during Phased re-opening. Review industry master guidance for testing requirements and recommendations. 
6. Any individual who attended any of the recent protests across the state.
7. As recommended by a primary care provider.

Additional information about testing criteria is on the NYS Department of Health website, or on the CDC website.

What should I expect?

At the testing site:

• Remain in your car and tune your radio to 96.3 FM for information and instructions.
• A medical professional will use a swab to take a nasal and throat sample.
• You will be given instructions about mandatory home isolation and you must go straight home.

What happens while I wait for results?

• Results can take up to one week.
• You must remain in isolation at home until you get your test results; this means stay separated from all others.
• A staff person from Cayuga Health Partners will check-in daily with you to make sure you are maintaining isolation, that you do not have new symptoms, or need medical treatment.
• Only in the case of an emergency, call 911

How will I get my result?

• If your test result is negative, a staff person from Cayuga Health Partners will provide the test result.
• You may be released from isolation following a negative test result and once you do not have symptoms for at least 24 hours.
• If the test comes back positive, a public health nurse from the Tompkins County Health Department will follow-up with guidance and will conduct a thorough contact investigation.

What if I don't have transportation?

• After you have registered, call 2-1-1 for assistance. 2-1-1 is available 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. to help with transportation options  to the Sampling Site.

How do I register?

• Go online to cayugahealthsystem.org
• Call Cayuga Health Registration Line at 607-319-5708.

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