Divine intervention has arrived in the fight against the coronavirus.
Testing for COVID-19 begins Wednesday at 11 churches located in New York’s low-income neighborhoods hit hard by the killer bug.
Thirteen other houses of worship will begin testing next week.
“The testing is going to help bring this virus under control,” said Rev. Elaine Flake, co-pastor at Greater Allen AME Church in Jamaica. “Everyone is going to need testing at some point.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday that houses of worship would participate in an expanded program to test more New Yorkers for COVID-19 and the virus’ antibodies.
The testing will be administered at the churches by Northwell Health’s medics.
There are some rules. Testing must be arranged by appointment only. Those seeking appointments at a church nearby can call 833-4CARENY.
Flake said flyers went out in the neighborhood saying testing will be administered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Greater Allen church is located at 31 Merrick Blvd.
“One way we can protect our most vulnerable communities is by making testing more easily accessible in the communities that need them most,” said Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health.
Recently released state data found greater rates of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization in minority communities — with 20 of the 21 ZIP codes driving current patient admissions having higher African American and Latino populations.
Other churches part of the launch this week include:
— Bethany Baptist Church, 460 Marcus Garvey Blvd., Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
— Christian Cultural Center, 12120 Flatlands Ave., East New York, Brooklyn
— New Jerusalem Worship Center, 12205 Smith St., Jamaica, Queens
— Trinity Baptist Church, 808 Reverend Drive, Wakefield, Bronx
— Abundant Life Tabernacle, 2692 Third Ave., Mott Haven, Bronx
— Christian Church John 316 at 864 Westchester Ave, Longwood, Bronx
— Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 W. 138th St, Harlem, Manhattan
— Mount Sinai United Christian Church, 15 Pike St., Tompkinsville, Staten Island
— Grace Baptist Church, 52 S. 6th Ave., 1 Grace Plaza, Mount Vernon, Westchester
— First Baptist Church Cathedral of Westbury, 212 Garden St., Westbury, Nassau