We use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and a blood antibody test. These tests are provided by GABISA Medical, PLLC. We may add more types of tests as they become available.

With the PCR test (also called a nasal swab test), a sterile swab is inserted into your nose to take a sample. This is usually not painful, but it can be uncomfortable.

Using a blood draw or a small prick of your finger, this test looks for markers in the blood (called antibodies) that show you are infected or have been infected in the past—even if you don't have symptoms.

XpresCheck is open to anyone who uses or works in the airport. If you are an airport or airline employee and have questions, contact your Human Resources department. Travelers who have questions can call 1-718-751-4640 (JFK) or 1-973-961-6905 (Newark).

Travelers should check with their insurance company to see if COVID-19 testing is covered. Employees should check with their employers to see if testing is required or recommended and how the cost will be covered.

It's recommended that you schedule your test in advance through this online system, but walk-ins are accepted.

To change your appointment, call 1-718-751-4640 (JFK) or 1-973-961-6905 (Newark).

If you are having symptoms that you think may be related to COVID-19, you may still get tested at XpresCheck. However, if you feel that you are seriously ill, please seek immediate medical care from a healthcare professional.

When your results are available, you will get an email letting you know that you can view them on a secure website. It is best to speak with your employer about your company's guidelines for COVID-19 testing before you get tested. This will prepare you to take the right course of action once you get your results.

You will have a separate account for each XpresCheck location. When you log in to the patient portal, make sure the drop-down menu shows the appropriate location, and be sure to use the user name and password for that location.

If you test positive for COVID-19, call your doctor as soon as possible. If you are an airport or airline employee, let your employer know you have tested positive, and ask about your company's guidelines for workers infected with COVID-19. Everyone is encouraged to visit coronavirus.gov for more information.

If you test negative for COVID-19, you probably were not infected at the time the test was done. However, this does not mean you will not get sick. It is even possible that you were very early in your infection and that you could test positive later. Or you could be exposed to the virus later and then get sick.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. That means it affects parts of the body used for breathing, such as the lungs. The main symptoms are fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and congestion or runny nose. It may also cause nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms may be mild or severe, and can even result in death.

COVID-19 is a type of virus called a coronavirus. In fact, the name “COVID” is short for COronaVIrus Disease, and 19 refers to the year in which it was identified, 2019. There are other coronaviruses, such as those that cause common cold symptoms, that do not have such serious effects in people.

Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19, even if he or she has no symptoms. That's why everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.

COVID-19 symptoms include:

These symptoms can be mild or severe, and can even cause death.

Get medical attention immediately if you develop any of these emergency warning signs:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or trouble becoming alert
• Bluish lips or face

Always call your doctor for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Tell the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

When a person infected with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes, small droplets are released into the air which may contain the COVID-19 virus. These droplets can enter the mouths or noses of people nearby and make them sick. It's also possible to get COVID-19 by touching something that has the virus on it, and then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes.

The steps below can help reduce your risk of getting sick. They are especially important for older adults and people who have serious, long-term medical conditions.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (such as tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles)
• Launder items, including washable plush toys, as appropriate and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

The federal government has created these guidelines to help slow the spread of the disease.

Social distancing means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social distancing:

• Stay at least 6 feet away from other people
• Do not gather in groups
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

Social distancing is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and to slow its spread.

While anyone can get COVID-19, two groups of people might be at higher risk for severe illness:

Older adults

• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

People of all ages who have serious underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:

• Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• Serious heart conditions
• Compromised immune systems
• Severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40)
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease who are undergoing dialysis
• Liver disease