A rapid testing site for people with coronavirus symptoms is being opened on Binghamton's West Side.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said the operation is located at St. Patrick's Church at 9 Leroy Street. It will be open weekdays from 1 to 7 p.m.

Garnar said rapid testing machines provided by the state are being utilized. He said a BC Transit bus has been modified with a mobile lab.

The facility initially will be set up on the West Side where a cluster of coronavirus cases has been linked to a pub. The testing unit can be moved to other locations in the county as needed.

Garnar said the rapid testing will be critical in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Test results should be available in about 15 minutes. That will enable health officials to immediately start contact tracing so people exposed to the coronavirus can be quarantined.

People who want a rapid test should register on the Broome County government website or call 211.

Garnar said is asking Broome County residents to continue to stay at home whenever possible to help reduce new COVID-19 cases.

Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday said the Broome County infection rate for the previous day was 3.1 percent, making the Binghamton area one of the state's coronavirus hotspots.

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