Dutchess County Expands COVID-19 Testing
and Vaccination Opportunities at JCPenney site
County partners with new provider to address increased
demand for testing, including offering rapid antigen testing
Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro today announced the County has expanded opportunities for residents to get tested for COVID-19, with both PCR and rapid antigen testing options, as well as get vaccinated against the virus at its site at the former JCPenney store at the Poughkeepsie Galleria.
Expanded COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health is now partnering with a new testing provider, New Jersey-based Senergene Solutions, to offer PCR testing at the former JCPenney site, located at 2001 South Road in Poughkeepsie. Starting next week, on January 18th, rapid antigen testing will also be offered at the site. Testing days and times are as follows:
• Tuesday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Testing results turnaround time for PCR testing is up to 48 hours from receipt of testing, though the timeframe can vary based on demand. Test results can be accessed through the iLab Patient Portal.
There is no out-of-pocket cost to residents for either of these testing options. Senergene Solutions works directly with insurance companies for testing costs, or for those without insurance, with the Federal government for all costs (must provide valid U.S. identification.).
Testing is available on a walk-in basis. Residents can enter the testing site through the upper parking deck entrance at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. Pre-registration is encouraged and can be completed online before arriving.
Dutchess County Behavioral & Community Health Commissioner, Dr. Livia Santiago-Rosado said, “Given the recent increased demand for COVID-19 tests, we are expanding accessibility to residents and adding a new testing partner to help alleviate the wait time some have experienced when waiting for results. Dutchess County wants residents to make informed decisions about their health by providing PCR and rapid COVID-19 tests, and expanding the availability of these tests is the best way to provide residents with the information needed to protect themselves, their loved ones and the greater community. Regardless of your test results, if you have any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please stay home and monitor your own health to safeguard the well-being of those around you.”
The new partnership with Senergene Solutions should resolve the lengthy delays some residents experienced late in December, following the recent exponential increase in demand for testing. In just the last week of 2021, for example, the County’s partner conducted more than 1,600 COVID-19 tests the Poughkeepsie Galleria site, compared to 763 tests conducted at the site in the entire month November. More information about COVID-19 testing is available on the County’s website at dutchessny.gov/
For more information about Senergene Solutions, visit www.senergene.com.
Expanded vaccination and booster shot opportunities
Also beginning this week, COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster shots, are now available on the lower level of the JCPenney site on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m., in addition to the previously scheduled days, expanding access to vaccine on the following days and times:
• Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
Additional dates and times will continue to be added as needed based on demand. Appointments can be made online and walk-ins are also accepted.
Booster eligibility has expanded for various population groups in recent weeks; and late last week, New York State mandated healthcare workers in hospitals, nursing homes and similar facilities within two weeks of becoming eligible. For more information about vaccination opportunities, including booster shots, visit DutchessNY.gov/COVIDvaccine.
Dr. Santiago-Rosado said, “Since COVID-19 vaccines were first available a year ago, we’ve seen the impact they’ve made – lessening the severity of cases and reducing hospitalizations and deaths. With omicron now the dominant variant across the nation, we urge residents more than ever to get fully vaccinated and receive their booster, when eligible. We are expanding access to these life-saving vaccines, knowing the importance they make on our community, and we are hopeful even more residents will choose to get vaccinated.”
New York State Department of Health is supporting the expansion of testing and vaccination opportunities, providing additional vaccinators and test administrators to support the County’s JCPenney site.
County Executive Molinaro said, “We are grateful to the NYS DOH for these additional resources and encourage residents to take advantage of our testing and vaccination opportunities to protect themselves and their families.”
For more information on COVID-19, including testing, vaccinations, booster shots, current guidance and much more, visit DutchessNY.gov/Coronavirus.
