Drive-up coronavirus testing is now available in Schenectady as part of a partnership with Ellis Medicine.

“It was important for us to actually be within the community to make sure we’re reaching everyone,” said COO Leslyn Williamson.

However, the testing site isn’t available only by car; the group is also accepting walk-ups. The health group says that’s because transportation is a major barrier within the city.

Hospital officials say there’s growing data of poor communities and communities of color being hit especially hard by the coronavirus. The Schenectady testing site is an effort to stop that from happening in the Capital Region.

“We’ve seen it across the country in places like Louisiana, New York City … again, look at all the sidebars that have played out. For us in the Capital Region, we would be foolish not to take heed to the warning that happened outside of our region,” said Williamson.

There’s no need for a prescription or even insurance at this site. Williamson says many in the city don’t have medical insurance or even a primary care physician, but are still at high risk.

“African Americans, It’s a part of our DNA, that over time we are stricken with high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease,” Williamson said. “Many of the population that has diabetes or high blood pressure may not even know they have it because they have not been to a physician.”

The county has had a difficult time tracking the number of cases in Schenectady, as most of the testing sites have been set up in surrounding communities. Carrie Dunn-Herrera, the Public Health System administrator, says it’s hard to nail down an exact number.

“If there is a negative test in other counties, we’re not going to be notified,” she added.

Officials say a rough estimate shows about 3,000 people have been tested in the county so far. The number includes the nearly 150 people that came through the Schenectady test site on Monday. About 70% of those 150 were minorities.

“That would also ease the anxiety of many of the community members, but also the physicians in the county who know this is something we needed to do,” said Williamson.

Testing will take place through the rest of the week every day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mont Pleasant. They are asking people to make appointments before they show up. Again, they are accepting both drive-in and walk-up testing, with no insurance needed, but you must be showing coronavirus symptoms or have had exposure to someone who has tested positive.

There will also be testing on Saturday, May 2, at Hometown Health Centers on State Street. The scheduling hotline is (518) 688-3420.