Just two hours after it opened, a new rapid testing site at the St. George Ferry Terminal had informed more than 30 Staten Island residents whether they were infected with the coronavirus.

It is one of ten new testing sites opened to reverse an alarming spread of the virus in the borough.

What You Need To Know

  • A rapid testing site opened at the St. George Ferry terminal, one of 10 new testing sites on Staten Island

  • Some Staten Island neighborhoods are seeing 6% of tests coming back positive, among the highest in the city

  • Governor Cuomo designated most of the island a yellow zone, imposing new restrictions that go into effect Friday
  • Most public schools on the island are still open, but all Catholic schools transitioned to remote learning Thursday  

Mike Gillim received a negative test.

"It's crazy because you know what, there's still a lot of people wearing their mask. And I think that's maybe like one of the main things,” Gillim told NY1.

Earlier this week, city workers and volunteers gave out masks and testing information on what was billed as a day of action for Staten Island. 

Some of the borough’s neighborhoods are seeing some of the highest infection rates in the city, with more than 6% of tests coming back positive.

Julio Useche waited in line for a test, too.

"I think Staten Island is more relaxed when it comes to being precaution and stuff like that; maybe that's why?” Useche explained.

Gayle Michener was also in line and was quick to agree.

"I'm pretty concerned. I'm in a high-risk group, being i'm 65 and all that. And so it's something I really have to pay attention to and be very careful,” Michener said.

Governor Cuomo this week designated most of the island a yellow zone, imposing new restrictions that go into effect Friday.

Appearing with the mayor on Thursday, Staten Island Borough President James Oddo warned that even more limitations for businesses are likely if residents do not take steps to limit the spread of the virus.

"This is a statement more than anything. This is a statement that says if we don't control what we can control, that things will get worse and then there will be much more onerous restrictions coming on down the pike,” Oddo said.

Most public schools on the island are still open, but all Catholic schools in the borough closed Thursday and their students transitioned to remote learning.

The mayor said there is still time to reverse the trend before a full-fledged second wave hits and encouraged residents to keep wearing masks, avoid indoor gatherings, and take advantage of the free testing.

I heard him, and thankfully, my test was negative.