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 1,491 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
1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:53
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

1:51
Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City; tracking weekend rain

Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City; tracking weekend rain

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

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

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

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times