With schools opening, workers returning to offices and travel increasing, a COVID test may be in your future. But the landscape has changed since the Delta variant surge, especially for Roosevelt Island, where RIOC closed its mystery-filled Swift Testing Site in June.
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
A generously thorough article in The Gothamist tracks the changes with good guidance forward.

Cut the Crap, Get Tested, Get Vaccinated Now
But if your big interest is getting tested, right now, for free and with fast results, your best choice is among city run sites. Some are mobile and some are set in concrete.
For Roosevelt Islanders, the easiest options are Metropolitan Hospital at 1901 First Avenue, just a short walk north from the 90th Street NYC Ferry Landing. (Register here or just walk in.) Times Square Testing at 701 Seventh Avenue also accepts walk-ins and is easily accessible via F Train.
Get tested immediately if you have any concerning symptoms or other worries about recent exposure. Wear a mask. Get vaccinated.
And take advantage of easy and free testing options.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- How Queens News Impacts Roosevelt Island Routines and Community LifeExplore how queens news impacts Roosevelt Island routines and community life, from public safety updates and election changes to housing assistance and local celebrations.
- What’s New Across Western Queens: Safety, Community, and Spring at Our DoorstepExplore what’s new across Western Queens this week, including safety updates, casino developments, real estate, and local dining—news that shapes Roosevelt Island life.
- A Full Week Across the River: How Roosevelt Island and Queens Lives IntersectA full week across the river shows how life on Roosevelt Island connects with Queens—covering public safety, legal updates, G train disruptions, and neighborhood events.
- Roosevelt Island Weekly Recap: Community Life, Local News, and Everyday ConnectionsOur Roosevelt Island weekly recap covers local news, community events, and the threads of daily life connecting neighbors on and off the island.
- Queens News Highlights and Roosevelt Island Community ConnectionsExplore the week’s Queens news highlights and Roosevelt Island community connections, from public safety to housing, historic places, and local events.
Emergency Without Urgency
When government invokes the word “emergency,” normal process changes. Timelines accelerate. Environmental review can narrow. Procurement pathways can shift.










