1 Read / Add Comments New York has launched a rapid COVID-19 testing program to help event spaces and businesses begin to reopen across the state. The New York Forward Rapid Test Program will make low-cost rapid testing available to the public to “support enhanced economic activity as the state continues to reopen sectors of the economy," according to state officials. “Throughout the COVID pandemic, we have relied on science over emotion and political rhetoric to guide our decisions, using all the tools available to navigate New York's public health and economic challenges,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “I have said from the beginning that testing will be a key part of our post-pandemic recovery because it will help us accelerate the reopening of our economy - without undoing the extraordinary progress we made in beating back the virus.”