Cayuga Health (CH) announced today that they are ready at the Ithaca COVID-19 Sampling Center to meet the additional demand that may be driven by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that testing for COVID-19 will be made available for all essential workers. This is in addition to individuals who should seek testing because they are symptomatic or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
“Early on we identified the need to establish large-scale sampling of the community in the fight against COVID-19,” stated Martin Stallone, President & CEO of Cayuga Health. “Increased testing is vital to stopping the spread, especially for essential workers who interact directly with the public and are on the front lines continuing to serve our community.”
Testing Directives from Tompkins County Health Department:
Who should get tested?
A list of essential workers is defined and frequently updated by New York State and can be found at https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026.
Anyone who is symptomatic or came in close contact with a positive case (regardless of essential worker status) is still encouraged to seek testing.
Where and when to get tested?
Testing for COVID-19 is available at the Cayuga Health Sampling Site located at The Shops at Ithaca Mall parking lot, 40 Catherwood Rd., between the hours of 10am – 3pm Monday through Friday.
Pre-register online at cayugahealth.org/ or through the Call Center, 607-319-5708.
Sampling is to determine if you currently have COVID-19; this is not the antibody test.
What should you do after testing?
If you do not have symptoms, continue to work and follow social distancing guidance, wear a face covering, and wash your hands well and often.
You will be contacted with results as soon as they are available.
What does your test result mean?
If your test result is positive, you will be contacted by a Community Health Nurse who will conduct a contact investigation and provide instructions about self-isolation.
The Sampling Center is staffed by experienced and knowledgeable Cayuga Health Employees. Patients entering the screening location by car can tune into FM 96.3 to receive instructions about driving through the Sampling Center. In addition, signs will convey important information to assist with traffic control. If you do not have transportation, please do not take public transportation to the sampling center. Cayuga Health and Tompkins County officials work closely to determine if mobile sampling is required or alternative transportation options.
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About Cayuga Health
Cayuga Health (CH) has two hospitals, Cayuga Medical Center and Schuyler Hospital, as well as a multi-specialty group, Cayuga Medical Associates. Combined employment, including affiliated organizations, is over 2,200 employees. CHS is clinically linked to Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester Regional Health for cardiac services, Roswell Park for cancer services, and the University of Rochester for neurosciences.
what our patients are saying
“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”
“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “
“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”
“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”
