CityMD Cuts Hours As Coronavirus Test Lines Take Toll On Workers

NEW YORK CITY — Long lines for coronavirus tests outside CityMD urgent cares have stretched their staffs to the breaking point — and they're going to be getting a break.

CityMD locations starting Nov. 16 will close 90 minutes earlier than their normal operating hours, according to an email sent to patients.

"Our site staff and doctors have been seeing patients well beyond normal closing time for months now and we’ve reached the point where they are sacrificing their own safety and health," the email states.

Coronavirus tests are available across the city at public Health + Hospitals locations, mobile testing units, urgent cares like CityMD and other places.

Lines at CityMD locations have been a daily sight in the city's neighborhoods even before COVID-19 rates began a steady rise across the city.

It appears months of high demand took a toll on CityMD. The email states the urgent care system increased staffing levels but has still struggled to meet demand.

The change in hours means the locations won't add more people in line after they close, and could cut off the line earlier in "extreme cases," according to the email.

"We are hopeful that this change will allow us to continue to provide our communities with excellent care while setting clear expectations for patients and giving our teams the ability to end work on time and get home to their families," the email states.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said Friday the city's average positivity rate stood at 2.83 percent.

New Yorkers can find COVID-19 testing locations here.