3 NYC subway lines suspended due to COVID staffing shortages, testing being offered in some stations

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The MTA is opening COVID testing locations in busy subway stations as some subway lines are forced to suspend operation due to understaffing.

The B and Z subway lines have joined the W, now suspended due to coronavirus staffing shortages.

The W was suspended all day Wednesday and is also suspended Thursday.

MTA announced Thursday that the B and Z lines would also be suspended for Thursday.

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The MTA tweeted in reference to the B line suspension, "Like everyone in New York, we've been affected by the COVID surge. We're running as much train service as we can with the operators we have available. As an alternative, use Q trains in Brooklyn and D trains in Manhattan and the Bronx."

Riders are urged to use the N train in Queens or an R train in Manhattan in place of the W line. The Z line's service is also suspended, riders can use the J line.

J trains are now making local stops in Brooklyn and Queens to provide more service.

The MTA says despite the suspensions, all stations are open and operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Meantime, there will be seven COVID testing sites inside subway stations, including Times Square, Grand Central, Penn Station, Broadway Junction in Brooklyn, East 180th in the Bronx, Roosevelt Avenue, and Jamaica 179th in Queens.

The Penn Station and 179th Street locations will close for New Year's Eve and they will all be closed on New Year's Day.

The MTA says the tests are available to anyone who wants them, including undocumented immigrants and tourists.

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