Getting a COVID-19 test on Long Island remains tough, and some say results are taking longer to come back.
Westbury's Edward Dugger wasn't feeling well Christmas Eve but couldn't find any at-home COVID-19 tests in the stores.
A few days later, Dugger found out about the state's new testing spot at Kennedy Park in Hempstead. Duggar waited two hours to be swabbed and was told he'd have the results in 24 hours.
“Twenty-four hours passed and I did not get the results. And then 48 hours passed, and I did not get the results. So now we're talking New Year's Eve, and I figured I would not get the results New Year's Day. It was pretty surprising to find out that after all of those days I was positive, and if I had not been the person that I am I actually could've been spreading the virus,” said Dugger.
North Babylon resident Lauren Maiorino came to the state's COVID-19 testing site in Hauppauge after exposure and minor symptoms. She was hoping for immediate results but was told it could take 48 hours.
"I'm supposed to go back to work right now," Maiorino says. "I was hoping that I would get it back within an hour or so but now I don't know."
What should you and shouldn't you do while waiting for test results? Especially if you're feeling sick or have symptoms?
“I think one of the things we have to remind ourselves is we got tested for a reason. And the reason is to check if we have COVID-19. Until you have proven otherwise, I would take all the precautions like you are infectious and have COVID-19. So that means wearing a mask, washing our hands regularly, try to stay away from those that might be more vulnerable, particularly those are elderly or unvaccinated such as young kids,” said Dr. Fred Davis.
As for Dugger, he says he's better now after what he describes as a mild case. He is hoping testing sites start giving more realistic time frames for results.
Maiorino says she had to call her boss to see what she should do as she waits for her results.