April 8, 2021 – Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, NY) is launching a COVID-19 saliva-testing program offering accurate testing at four locations in Manhattan for those attending large-scale events. It will mainly be used by those paying for the convenience of quickly being able to attend events such as professional sports or theater, catering events through New York’s Excelsior Pass app program or taking an international flight. Results from saliva tests should be available within 48 hours, but about 85% will be available within 24 hours. To take the test, patients cannot eat or drink anything, brush or floss their teeth or use mouthwash, or smoke or chew gum for one hour prior. It costs $139.50 and is not covered by insurance.