Delays in COVID-19 test results cause anxiety, confusion in process

Thousands of Long Island residents who have been tested for COVID-19 have been left confused and unsure of how to find out if they tested positive for the virus.

News 12 Staff

Mar 26, 2020, 10:37 PM

Updated 1,493 days ago

Share:

Thousands of Long Island residents who have been tested for COVID-19 have been left confused and unsure of how to find out if they tested positive for the virus.
George Drapman says he was tested for the coronavirus at Jones Beach nine days ago. As of Thursday morning, he still had no results -- but he's just one of many who have called News 12 frustrated about the wait.
"They said I would receive the results in three to four business days through the mail," says Drapman. "After the time had lapsed, I decided to call the state number and they referred me, because it was done at Jones Beach. They referred me to the Nassau County Department of Health."
Drapman says he called the state again, and they referred him to the county once more. The 67-year-old, three-time cancer survivor says he's been quarantined away from his wife and three children since he was tested.
"It's very frustrating. It's causing a lot of anxiety because of my condition. I'm worried, I want to be sure," he says.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says more than 103,000 people have been tested statewide as of Wednesday. Drapman says he read a news article that said people awaiting results after being tested at Jones Beach or Stony Brook University could call BioReference Laboratories at 1-800-229-5227.
Drapman called the number up, and in a few short minutes he learned his results were negative. He says he's relieved, but feels something isn't right with the process.
State Department of Health spokeswoman Jill Montag said in an email that those who go through state-run drive-through sites can receive results by phone, fax or via the website for New Jersey-based BioReference Laboratories, which is testing respiratory samples.
 


More from News 12
2:01
Authorities: Newburgh fire displaces 18 residents, including 6 children

Authorities: Newburgh fire displaces 18 residents, including 6 children

2:18
Scattered thunderstorm chances for the Hudson Valley; Monday will feel like summer

Scattered thunderstorm chances for the Hudson Valley; Monday will feel like summer

0:33
Police: Home burglary reported in Mamaroneck

Police: Home burglary reported in Mamaroneck

0:21
Police: Shots fired in Poughkeepsie; no injuries reported

Police: Shots fired in Poughkeepsie; no injuries reported

0:26
Authorities: Fire breaks out at Lagrangeville car wash

Authorities: Fire breaks out at Lagrangeville car wash

1:57
Authorities: Fire destroys home in Spring Valley

Authorities: Fire destroys home in Spring Valley

0:43
Musica Y Mole Festival: White Plains High School celebrates Mexican culture

Musica Y Mole Festival: White Plains High School celebrates Mexican culture

1:02
Drug Takeback Day encourages Rockland residents to properly dispose of unused, expired medications

Drug Takeback Day encourages Rockland residents to properly dispose of unused, expired medications

2:02
'Gains For Brains' girls lacrosse tournament raises awareness, funds for pediatric brain cancer research

'Gains For Brains' girls lacrosse tournament raises awareness, funds for pediatric brain cancer research

0:31
Police seek public’s help locating missing 89-year-old man

Police seek public’s help locating missing 89-year-old man

Mathew Barzal scores in 2nd OT as Islanders beat Hurricanes 3-2 to avoid series sweep

Mathew Barzal scores in 2nd OT as Islanders beat Hurricanes 3-2 to avoid series sweep

0:33
Delta plane lands at JFK due to emergency slide falling off

Delta plane lands at JFK due to emergency slide falling off

2:28
Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

1:23
Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

0:20
City of White Plains to impose new speed limit of 25 mph, effective in May

City of White Plains to impose new speed limit of 25 mph, effective in May

0:41
Farm-to-table distillery brings boozy beverages to Goshen

Farm-to-table distillery brings boozy beverages to Goshen

0:22
Westchester County Center to host free prom attire giveaway this weekend

Westchester County Center to host free prom attire giveaway this weekend

0:35
Westchester Craft Beverage Trail takes residents on tour of 2 dozen distilleries

Westchester Craft Beverage Trail takes residents on tour of 2 dozen distilleries

Special teams carry Rangers to a Game 3 win and a 3-0 series lead on the Capitals

Special teams carry Rangers to a Game 3 win and a 3-0 series lead on the Capitals

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!