Essential workers have been putting their safety on the line every time they go to their jobs for months. Now, a Long Island town is trying to help them feel a bit safer.

Back in March, countless essential workers found themselves in the middle of a pandemic. But despite the danger, they showed up, worked long hours and did their jobs.

Karen Tartaglione works at Stop and Shop in Baldwin and says during the first wave of the pandemic, she and her coworkers felt forgotten and unprotected.

"You've got to work, you've got to do what you've got to do," says Tartaglione. "It was scary but we all stuck together."

And now with COVID-19 infections climbing across the country, essential workers like Tartaglione are worried.

In attempt to curb some of those fears a bit, the Town of Hempstead is offering free COVID-19 testing, which will be available to essential workers. No insurance is needed and they will also accommodate workers by providing weekend testing.

The testing organized by the Town of Hempstead and Northwell Health is being paid for in part with federal funding.

"These tests will save lives - these tests will protect our community," says John Duros, of the Long Island Federation of Labor.

Although Taraglione says she doesn't know what lies ahead, she will continue to work and is grateful for another tool to help her stay safe.

"Some people actually do say thank you to us when they come in, and I don't mind being out here for them and I don't mind doing my job," says Taraglione.

MORE INFO:

Town of Hempstead/Northwell Health Essential Workers Testing Schedule

Please make appointments by calling 516-821-2500

Island Park Courthouse (runs from Nov. 9-13 and Nov. 16-20 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

127 Long Beach Road, Island Park, NY 11558

Merrick Clubhouse (Date TBA)

2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, NY, 11566

Coes Neck Park (Date TBA)

1240 Coes Neck Road, Baldwin, NY, 11510