Start of Coronavirus Testing at Binghamton University Delayed

The opening of the drive-thru COVID-19 testing center at Binghamton University's Vestal campus has been postponed.

The facility on the Vestal Parkway had been scheduled to open Thursday morning. State officials say it now is expected to go into operation at 10 a.m. Friday.

After it opens, the site is to be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

The Broome County site is one of five drive-thru testing locations being set up in upstate New York this week.

Workers from an Albany-area rental firm started erecting large tents near the Binghamton University Events Center on Tuesday. Portable lighting units also were delivered to the site.

New York state troopers, forest rangers and Department of Transportation workers also were involved in preparing to set up the testing operation.

People wishing to be tested must call the state "COVID-19 Hotline" to make an appointment before going to the drive-thru site.

The number to call for an appointment is (888) 364-3065.

Repeated efforts to use the hotline over a period of several days were unsuccessful. Each call was answered but following the instructions always resulted in receiving a busy signal.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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