You are reading

New York City Will Begin Making Its Own Coronavirus Tests, Key to Reopening Economy

(Stock Pexels)

April 14, 2020 By Allie Griffin

New York City will begin making its own coronavirus test kits, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today.

The City’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will create a supply chain through New York City-based companies to create the tests and will also buy tests from an Indiana-based firm to reach 100,000 kits per week by May.

“For the first time, we’re gonna have a truly reliable major supply of testing,” de Blasio said. “I’m so proud of my fellow New Yorkers.”

The mayor has repeatedly said that increased testing is key to reopening the economy. Once the city has reduced the spread, testing is necessary to trace and contain cases.

“The number one issue from day one has been testing,” the mayor said, adding that the federal government has not provided the testing needed to New York City.

The Indiana-based Aria Diagnostics will produce 50,000 test kits per week, starting on April 20, that New York City will buy. The company has already donated 50,000 kits to the city.

Then, beginning in May, the EDC will launch production of test kits within the five boroughs — by creating a supply chain of academic and commercial labs, local manufacturers and companies with 3D printers. The EDC-led companies will make another 50,000 a week.

In total, New York City will secure 100,000 test kits per week or 400,000 per month, de Blasio said. “A lot of folks would have said this was impossible,” he said. “They’re making it possible and that’s what New Yorkers do.”

However, he said the federal government will still need to provide more test kits.

“This does not let the federal government off the hook.”

New York City-based firms are also producing personal protective equipment (PPE) needed by healthcare providers.

Eight firms are currently producing 240,000 face shields per week and another five firms are producing 30,000 surgical gowns per week. Each will ramp up production by April 24 to produce 465,000 shields and 100,000 gowns a week.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Fall fun in western Queens: Your guide to the best seasonal events

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With beach days and summer BBQs behind us, the start of September rings in the start of magnificent Fall foliage, Halloween and more fun activities that come with the start of Autumn, including a list of Fall events in the area. From apple picking to seasonal ciders and more, there is tons to explore in the community. From Mystic Markets to scary movie meet-ups and more, here is a list of Fall events you do not want to miss.

A hidden gem in Sunnyside: Bistro Punta Sal blends Peruvian and Italian flavors

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

On a quiet street in Sunnyside, Bistro Punta Sal has its French doors wide open, letting the late August breeze emanate throughout the space, which is ornate with flowers, paintings and an array of tables and chairs for intimate dinners with friends or a romantic date night. The cozy restaurant, located at 45-51 46th St., is a hidden gem in the neighborhood that is just waiting to be discovered, as the sights and aromas of the restaurant invite guests in. 

Off-duty paramedic spots South Richmond Hill two-alarm house fire that injures nine firefighters, two civilians on Friday morning: FDNY

Nine firefighters were injured, two of them seriously, and two civilians sustained minor injuries during a two-alarm house fire in South Richmond Hill on Friday morning, but it could have been worse if not for the actions of an off-duty veteran EMT.

Paramedic Craig Biscuiti was driving to work when he noticed a column of thick black smoke and heavy flames coming from the first floor of a two-story home at 95-36 111th St. just before 7:10 a.m.

Astoria doctor sentenced to more than two decades in prison for rape and sexual abuse: DA

An Astoria doctor was sentenced to 24 years in prison on Thursday in Queens Supreme Court for raping unconscious acquaintances and sexually abusing hospital patients.

Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, 35, of Broadway, pleaded guilty on June 30 to four counts of rape in the first degree and three counts of sexual abuse in the first degree in satisfaction of the consolidated indictments against him. He additionally entered an Alford plea to one count of sexual abuse. The defendant — a former gastroenterologist at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital — recorded the abuse of his unconscious victims with his cell phone in both his Astoria apartment and at the hospital.