Health & Fitness
Even Vaxxed NYers Should Get Tested Before Holidays, City Says
City health officials said vaccinated New Yorkers, though at less risk, should still get a coronavirus test before holiday gatherings.
NEW YORK, NY — Even fully vaccinated New Yorkers should seek out a coronavirus test during the holiday season, according to New York City health officials.
City guidance released Wednesday encouraging coronavirus tests before any holiday travel or gatherings will include both unvaccinated and vaccinated New Yorkers in an effort to keep infection rates low, Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi said.
"It does apply to everyone, regardless of vaccination status, and the reason for that is its one more layer of safety, one more precaution, particularly when you have groups of people coming together," Chokshi said during the mayor's daily press briefing.
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Officials did say that tests are still most relevant for unvaccinated people, noting that events where everyone is vaccinated are still the "safest types of gatherings" people can attend over the holidays.
Still, the new guidance will be met with a "testing blitz" across the five boroughs over the next few weeks to accommodate those seeking a test.
Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The blitz will nearly double the city's fleet of mobile testing vans from 40 to 70 and include around 9,000 testing events organized by the city's Test and Trace Corps, including 3,000 at New York City Housing Authority buildings and more than 1,000 at houses of worship.
"Whether it's Thanksgiving, friendsgiving, Hanukah, Kwanza, Christmas — you name it — it's a smart step," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
The precautions come as New York City tries to prevent an uptick in coronavirus cases that has appeared in several other parts of the state. On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said new coronavirus safety measures could be possible should surges continue in western New York and the Finger Lakes.
De Blasio said Wednesday the city is not considering similar protocols given low infection rates in the Big Apple.
As of Wednesday, the positivity rate stood at 1.9 percent citywide, significantly lower than the more than 8 percent rates in surging parts of the state, according to city data.
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