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NY county holds free walk-up COVID-19 testing amid protests

First responders and protesters in Albany County can get tested at the Albany Capital South Campus on Thursday

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Protesters gather on Monday, June 1 in Albany following the police killing of George Floyd. Albany County will hold walk-up COVID-19 testing in Albany on Thursday for first responders and protesters who may have been exposed during mass gatherings over the last few days.

Photo/Albany Police Department Facebook

By Laura French

ALBANY, N.Y. — Amidst protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd, a New York county will hold free walk-up COVID-19 testing for those participating in mass gatherings.

First responders and demonstrators who may have been exposed during mass gatherings in the last few days can be tested at the Capital South Campus in Albany without an appointment between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday, according to CBS 6 Albany.

Those seeking testing are asked to bring their ID and insurance information, but testing will be free for those without insurance.

Albany County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen said those who participated in mass gatherings over the last weekend should get tested once this week and again next week.

County Executive Dan McCoy said during a briefing Wednesday that there have been a total of 1,754 confirmed virus cases in the county, and that 1,382 have recovered and completed quarantine.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said earlier this week he feared mass gatherings and protests could lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases, as the Capital Region moves toward Phase Two of its reopening plan and New York City moves toward Phase One.

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