Senator Daphne Jordan writes to Governor Cuomo requesting 2,000 – 5,000 COVID-19 test kits for Saratoga County and for the state’s assistance with securing PPE, nursing staff, and antibody testing

Albany, NY – Senator Daphne Jordan (R,C,I-Halfmoon) today wrote Governor Cuomo requesting 2,000 to 5,000 COVID-19 test kits for Saratoga County. Also signing onto Senator Jordan’s letter to the Governor were Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville), Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury), Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston) and Assemblymember John T. McDonald III.

Senator Jordan and her fellow state legislators, all of whom represent a portion of Saratoga County, also asked for state assistance in securing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health care workers and nursing staff to help with the administration of the requested 2,000 – 5,000 COVID-19 test kits. Senator Jordan’s letter also asked for the inclusion of an antibody testing site in Saratoga County.

“COVID-19 has claimed the lives of our fellow New Yorkers and presented countless challenges to our health care infrastructure, as well as federal, state, and local government. As of this weekend, 4,603 – out of approximately 230,000 – people in Saratoga County have been tested for COVID-19. Without question, an expansion of COVID-19 testing is of paramount importance for Saratoga County, which is why I wrote the Governor requesting 2,000 to 5,000 COVID-19 test kits for our County, and more state assistance with PPE, nursing staff, and guidance to help Saratoga County administer these crucial tests. I also asked for the state to include an antibody testing site in Saratoga County,” Senator Jordan said.

“A rapid expansion of COVID-19 test kits, more PPE, an expansion of nursing staff, and establishment of an antibody testing site is crucial to helping ensure the health and safety of Saratoga County residents and ultimately aiding our community successfully move past this pandemic. I want to again commend our fantastic Saratoga County frontline health care, emergency services, and first responder personnel for all they have done, and continue doing, to help keep us safe during the outbreak. My request today will help support their courageous efforts and months of tireless, hard work,” Senator Jordan said.

In the correspondence to Governor Cuomo (attached), Senator Jordan and her colleagues wrote the following:

“We write in strong support of Saratoga County’s ongoing effort to acquire 2,000 to 5,000 COVID-19 testing kits from New York State. As of Saturday, April 25, there have been 4,603 people tested in Saratoga County, which has approximately 230,000 residents. Without question, there is a clear and compelling need to ramp up local testing.

Saratoga County has already identified a location for a potential testing site, can provide security, and has some medical staff readily available to assist with the implementation of this testing.

However, Saratoga County would need state support with nursing staff, PPE, and further guidance from the state. Also, the inclusion of an antibody testing site would be most welcome for Saratoga County as we continue moving forward.

Governor, Saratoga County’s frontline emergency services, health care, and first responder personnel have worked tirelessly throughout this crisis, always going above and beyond the call of duty and putting themselves at risk to protect and serve others. The provision of these requested resources – COVID-19 test kits, PPE, nursing staff, state guidance, and antibody testing – will help Saratoga County succeed in its vital mission of protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all County residents from the Coronavirus.

Thank you for your attention to our request made on behalf of the Saratoga County families that we proudly serve and represent.”

A copy of Senator Jordan’s correspondence sent to Governor Cuomo earlier today is attached to this news release.

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