Urgent care provider CityMD accidentally told 15,000 New Jersey and New York residents that they’re immune to COVID-19, reports CNBC. The news was given to patients who took antibody tests at CityMD.
However, a spokesperson for CityMD tells CNBC that it was an editing mistake.
“Due to an editing error in the patient portal, some CityMD patients have received incorrect information saying a positive result on the COVID-19 antibody test confers immunity. We have removed the incorrect language and will contact all patients to ensure they have the correct information.”
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CityMD provides antibody and COVID-19 testing at its facilities without the need for an appointment. They have 16 locations in New Jersey, including one on Grove Street and one in Journal Square.
However, health officials have warned that the presence of antibodies doesn’t mean someone is immune to the virus.
“The problem is that these are tests that need to be validated and calibrated, and many of the tests out there don’t do that,” said U.S. infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci on Good Morning America. “So even though you hear about companies flooding the market with these antibody tests, a lot of them are not validated.”
Earlier this month Mayor Steven Fulop announced free Jersey City antibody testing for any residents who wants to take the test. The city is also providing free COVID-19 testing for all residents.
