A new Covid-19 testing site in Montauk is expected to begin operation next week.
The East Hampton Town Board voted on Thursday to execute an agreement with Collection Sites L.L.C. for testing at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Fort Pond boat launch ramp on South Erie Street. The town previously contracted with Collection Sites for the testing facility at the Town Hall campus in East Hampton.
The site is expected to operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Councilman David Lys said on Friday. It will offer both Covid-19 PCR nasal swab testing and rapid antigen testing for active viral infection diagnosis. The PCR nasal swab test will cost $179, and the cost of the rapid antigen test will be $99. Insurance will be accepted.
The town negotiated for 350 rapid antigen tests to be provided free to people designated by the town. These will be reserved for people who are uninsured or are otherwise unable to pay for them, Mr. Lys said.
The Montauk Chamber of Commerce and the town’s business recovery group, convened last year to guide and coordinate commercial activity during the phased reopening last year, has sought a test site in Montauk since the temporary site at the Montauk School ceased operation, Mr. Lys said.
“Knowing that we’re trending in a positive way toward summer, the state will be looking for negative tests” in order for weddings and other large gatherings to be held safely, Mr. Lys said. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced last month that starting in March, 150 people will be allowed at weddings provided everyone present has a negative Covid-19 test and local health departments approve. The new testing site in Montauk, Mr. Lys said, represents “another step forward in that optimism.”
The agreement with Collection Sites is for an initial term of six months, with an option to extend it on a month-to-month basis.