ROCHESTER, N.Y. — More people will now be able to receive COVID-19 tests at one of the largest testing sites in the Rochester area. State health officials say the testing site at Monroe Community College will expand.

With the number of positive cases on the rise, demand for COVID-19 testing is also growing.

"We've expanded, and I think what we've seen here is what you would expect,” said Gary Holmes, spokesman for the New York State Department of Health. “Increasing testing, and people heading to that location as a safe option for getting tested quickly, efficiently, and safely.”

Holmes says 100,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted at the MCC site since July, and nearly 6,000 in the past week alone. The drive-through site at MCC will be doubled from two traffic lane to four. According to the state health department, the move will increase the ability to do more testing. The site will be able to handle more than 1,000 COVID-19 tests per day. The procedure for testing is still the same — it’s by appointment only — and anyone interested will need to make an appointment, which can be made either online or by calling the state hotline, at (888) 364-3065.

According to officials, testing — is one part of a much larger equation.

“Those aspects work. Those action items work,” said Holmes. “Wear masks, stay home, socially distance, avoid large crowds. And know the state is set up to ensure that those who want to be tested can be tested. We built that capacity rather quickly, we're ensuring New Yorkers who want to test can get a test, and the MCC site is an excellent example of a place that can do so."

Meanwhile, regarding other COVID-19 testing available in the community, some pharmacies which previously offered free testing for all may now charge customers who don’t meet certain insurance requirements. According to the CVS website, the cost would be $139. Walgreens lists a cost of $129 for diagnostic lab and rapid diagnostic tests.