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
- Queens Home Prices and Rents Rise in October 2026 as Long Island City Condos Draw BuyersQueens home prices and rents rose in October 2026. See StreetEasy’s housing figures and Long Island City condo contract activity at Radiant and Vesta.
- Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Get Answers on 2027 ChangesMedicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Sen. Krueger’s Nov. 16 virtual town hall covers 2027 premium, deductible and Part D changes, with a HIICAP expert’s Q&A.
- Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody reportRIOC’s Nov. 11 PSD blotter lists 10 incidents, all on Main Street, including two medical calls at 555 Main Street, a water leak at 560 Main and a custody or visitation report.
- Six-Unit Apartment Building Planned for 10th Street in AstoriaPlans for a six-unit apartment building in Astoria call for four stories at 35-25 10th St. See proposed dimensions, apartment sizes and permit status.
- Tuesday’s PSD blotter: noise calls, a harassment reportRIOC’s Nov. 10 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents, all on Main Street, including four noise complaints, a harassment report and one hospital transport.
Free at the Door, Paid Somewhere Else
The Red Bus is one of Roosevelt Island’s most popular public services, and for good reason. For residents near the subway and Tram, it may be a convenience. For residents at Manhattan Park, the Octagon, Coler and the northern WIRE buildings, it can be the connection that makes the rest of the Island accessible.
