WOODSIDE, NY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris and Woodside on the Move are teaming up to encourage residents of western Queens to be tested for COVID-19. The new community testing site is located at St. Sebastian’s in Woodside at Roosevelt Avenue and 58th Street. Testing will be available for qualified residents by appointment and will take place over six days, from May 21-26, 9 AM-5 PM daily. The site is being organized in partnership with Somos El Futuro, a social welfare organization that serves Hispanic communities.

“Keeping our community safe is paramount and increased testing will help ensure everyone’s well-being. Only by working together will we effectively combat coronavirus,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I am proud to partner in this effort with Woodside on the Move, an organization which has been instrumental in effectuating substantial progress in our community.”

Senator Gianaris urged the State of New York to open more community testing sites in western Queens, the area hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. He has worked with community organizations, including Woodside on the Move, to provide needed resources to local relief organizations. 

“In working with Senator Gianaris, let's continue to make Woodside a better place to live and learn. Testing, testing, and more testing is critical to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Together we will beat coronavirus and help our community,” said Michael Vaz, Executive Director of Woodside on the Move.

Over the last seven weeks, Woodside on the Move has served over 200 families each weekend from their main office, including 256 this past Saturday alone. The agency continues to be on the front lines addressing issues such as food insecurity, remote after school programming, virtual tenant advocacy and assistance to our most vulnerable community members.

Interested individuals can make an appointment by calling 1-833-SOMOSNY (833-766-6769). The New York State Health Department website contains instructions on who can be tested: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing#mobile-testing. Other testing locations can also be found online: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Gianaris has focused his efforts on providing relief for local relief and mutual aid organizations, including the Hungry Monk pantry in Ridgewood, Urban Upbound in Long Island City, the Astoria Mutual Aid Society, and LIC Relief. He was able to supply several of these organizations with food, face masks, and sanitizer for residents and volunteers.

Senator Gianaris is encouraging residents in need of assistance to contact organizations like those mentioned above who are providing help. Information on relief efforts is available on Senator Gianaris’ website, gianaris.nysenate.gov, where he has created a dedicated page for coronavirus-related resources.