The rain did not deter people from going to the new mobile coronavirus testing site at the Warren County Municipal Center in Queensbury on Thursday morning.

“Our phones started ringing as soon as we opened that line,” said J’nelle Oxford, Warren County Public Health's program mananger. “It really flourished under 48 hours. We just set up the tent yesterday.”

It’s available to people living in Saratoga, Washington, Hamilton, Essex and Warren counties. Personnel will consist of medical professionals from Glens Falls Hospital.

“We’re getting two staff members who are physically doing the swabs,” said Oxford. “They’ll be in their normal personal protective gear. So gowns, gloves, face shields, masks.”

People looking to be tested at the location must have a referral from their medical provider as health officials continue to prioritize vulnerable populations.

COVID-19 testing had been offered at the hospital, but it was quickly suspended due to traffic congestion and the shortage of test kits.

“When we haven’t had testing in the area, it’s been difficult to really track those numbers, and we want to make sure that if anybody is sick, that they’re getting tested, their proper isolation and their proper treatment,” said Oxford.

Washington County has played a critical role in securing test kits for the site.

“The administration here at the county, we're able to secure 1000 test kits,” said Patty Hunt, Washington County Public Health's director. “In discussion with the management team, it was decided that they would best be used by providing them to Glens Falls Hospital.”

The site marks the second testing location to open in the area this week. On Monday, Albany Med and St. Peter’s Hospital opened a site on the University at Albany campus.

“It’s very difficult for some of our residents to drive all the way to Albany,” said Hunt. “Time and distance can be difficult, and especially since we’re focusing on people who aren’t really feeling well to begin with.”

In Warren County and the counties surrounding it, numbers have been relatively low, but health officials are expecting the numbers to rise, with about 50 people being tested at the site every day.

“It’s kind of almost like basic math,” said Oxford. “When you see an increase of testing, you also then see an increase in your numbers.”

There are about 1,000 test kits on hand at the site. Health officials say it’s about a week’s worth. Testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.