Bronx, NY – With Bronxites on edge about dramatic increases in COVID-19 infection rates due to the omicron variant, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is calling on New York State to reopen a mass-testing site at Lehman College. In the early stages of the pandemic, Lehman College hosted a drive-through testing site in a parking lot which became a popular and efficient way for residents of the Bronx to access critical diagnostic COVID-19 testing.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D - Bronx) said: “It is unfortunate that nearly two years into this pandemic, we still seem to be flying by the seat of our pants with respect to testing access. The bottom line at this moment is that Bronxites need better access to testing, especially those who live in the northwest Bronx. Private providers are overwhelmed and frankly some are charging excessive amounts for testing, but people are over a barrel as they try to be as safe as possible during the holiday season.

“The mass-testing site at Lehman College was an incredibly valuable resource for many Bronxites in 2020. Its return would offer a reliable, predictable location for people to go get tested so that they can make educated and informed decisions about their holiday plans. The current model operated by the city, where the only permanent public testing sites are at hospitals, is simply insufficient. Having to constantly check for new information about pop-up testing locations is unnecessarily stressful and I believe it is reducing the overall number of people who are getting tested. We need a mass-testing site back at Lehman College as soon as possible.”