Rapid testing sites helping Monroe County residents get ‘back to normal’

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WHEC) — With more people vaccinated against COVID-19, families are making up for lost quality time from Thanksgiving last year.

But, still with the spike in cases across upstate New York, the big push right now is for rapid testing. Monroe County scheduled a series of free rapid testing locations, including one earlier today in Pittsford.

“Being able to get tested, on top of everybody being vaccinated, you just feel extra safe,” said Naomi Montag, who just completed her rapid test. “Tomorrow we won’t be thinking about it, hopefully. Last year, we were definitely thinking about it because we weren’t able to do anything.”

“Last year was definitely rough because it’s the first time I didn’t spend Thanksgiving with my family,” said Jared Fertig, who also just completed his rapid test. “So this year, getting to do it and feel safe and just be happy to see everyone again is really exciting.”

The testing location was set up at the Pittsford Plaza Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Because of people wanting to get together families for the holidays, a lot of them are coming through,” said Erica Hunter, the lead COVID testing supervisor for Monroe County. “All of our testing sites have been very busy; we’ve done over 150 [tests] at most sites.”

Test results are, well, rapid.

“If you’re positive you’ll get a call within an hour. Negative or positive, everybody gets an email by the end of the day,” Hunter added.

For Kelly Lutz, she is looking forward to celebrating on Saturday because she has some family members who work the frontlines on the holiday

“My in-laws were part of the COVID bubble, so we were able together with them last year, but not anyone beyond that. This year is going to be a little bit beyond that because of the vaccination, so we’re able to get together with more family this year,” Lutz said.

Testing is free of charge, walk-ins are available and you must show proof of Monroe County residency. For a complete list of testing sites and hours, check the Monroe County website.