Thread by @danielsgoldman

Let’s be very clear: unless you have pneumonia and traveled to one of 5 high-risk countries recently, you can NOT get a #COVID19 test in New York City. If you, like me, have a fever and a headache (but tested negative for the flu), you are unable to rule out #COVID19. Shameful.

This is not New York City’s fault. There simply are insufficient tests so they are being rationed.

(And I’m fine. Just want to rule it out for my family, including three little kids.)

UPDATE: my primary care doc said he could send a #coronavirus test to @QuestDX but it has to go to California and won’t come back for at least 4 days. (The tests at hospital ER’s apparently take 24-36 hours.)

2nd UPDATE: Banning Europeans will not get me tested faster. Nor will it stop the community spread that began weeks ago.

3rd UPDATE: Currently in hospital bed of overflowing ER @WeillCornell awaiting another flu test and chest x-ray. Bc my symptoms are not bad enough to be admitted, I am not eligible for a #COVID19 test. Self-quarantine is my only option. This is pure triage, not any solution.

4th UPDATE: after sitting for 6 hours in the hallway of the @WeillCornell ER, I tested negative for all non-Covid viruses and had a clean chest x-ray (so lungs are fine). Was told to go home and isolate until I feel better.

Now on to find a #COVID19 test in CT.

5th UPDATE: Woke up at 4:45am to drive to Stamford, CT for a curbside #COVID19 test. One catch: I was told the results may not come back for 4 DAYS. @tomhanks test in Australia came back in 4 HOURS.

Now resting at home, feeling better, and trying to keep 3 little ones away.