STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New Yorkers need not worry about health care costs in an emergency department, at an urgent care center, or a primary care provider office visit associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19).

In order to ensure access to testing, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new directive by the state Department of Financial Services (DFS) requiring New York health insurers to waive all associated costs with testing for COVID-19.

Those with Medicaid coverage will not be expected to pay a co-pay for testing.

Additionally, insurers should prepare to cover the costs of an immunization, should one become available.

“We have the best health-care system in the world, and we are leveraging that system including our state-of-the-art Wadsworth testing lab to help contain any potential spread of the novel coronavirus in New York,” Cuomo said.

Containing the virus, he said, will rely on testing – knowing who is infected and breaking down any barriers that would prevent an individual from being tested.

On Monday, the first case of the coronavirus was reported on Staten Island.

An internal memo from Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) obtained by the Advance said the adult patient was handled with proper protocols at the Prince’s Bay campus.

Because staff at the hospital followed proper protocols, self-quarantine is not necessary, however, employees are monitoring their temperature twice daily for two weeks “out of an abundance of caution,” SIUH officials said.

As of Tuesday morning, there are 36 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York City, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday.

In New York State there are 173 positives, 31 more than Monday, Cuomo said.

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STATEN ISLANDERS CAN BE TESTED LOCALLY BY BOTH HOSPITALS

Staten Island’s two hospitals received the green light from the state Department of Health (DOH), the federal government and the Centers for Disease Control to begin testing for coronavirus.

The testing process approved by the DOH will allow SIUH’s Long Island lab to test approximately 90 tests on its first day, however, the lab is currently seeking approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use semi-automated testing, which would allow the lab to test hundreds of tests daily.

Testing will continue to be reserved for those at risk for severe disease and who have had confirmed close contact with an infected individual.

Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) was given the OK from the CDC to begin testing with kits on site, a RUMC spokesman told the Advance.

“If a test is performed, the specimen is then sent to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Public Health Laboratory in Manhattan for diagnosis,” the spokesman said.

Results of the testing will be available within 24 to 48 hours.

The spokesman said RUMC continues to work with the Greater New York Hospital Association to stay abreast of any policy or protocol changes as they relate to the coronavirus or any healthcare matter.

“As of now, any patients without insurance who are unable to pay can apply for financial assistance,” the spokesman said.

Aside from the borough’s two hospitals, residents can also visit urgent care and clinic locations across the island for testing.

NYC Health and Hospitals/Gotham Health Vanderbilt clinic, located at 165 Vanderbilt Ave. and NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, located at 2040 Forest Ave. are available for residents, including those without insurance.

“We’ve always been the health system New Yorkers could turn to regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status. We recently launched NYC Care on Staten Island for those who aren’t eligible or can’t afford insurance,” said NYC Health + Hospitals spokesman Christopher Miller.

TELEHEALTH PROGRAMS, PRESCRIPTION DRUG EXPANSION

Aside from waiving cost sharing, the Department of Financial Service’s directive is instructing insurers to devote specific resources to informing consumers of available benefits, to quickly respond to inquiries, and consider revisions needed to streamline responses and benefits for consumers.

The directive also: