March 28, 3pm

Testing for COVID-19 continues to be in short supply and severely restricted. This is a frustrating and appalling situation, but unfortunately the reality for the near term. The limited number of available tests are being reserved for medical workers, first responders, and those experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing. For the rest of us, if we feel sick, we should plan to self-isolate and recover at home. There may be hope on the horizon as the FDA has approved new testing technologies with faster turn around on results, but for the time being each of us needs to act as if we were infected with coronavirus and take universal precautions to ensure we do not pass it onto others. This involves:

If you are sick, call ahead before visiting a health care provider so you don’t further spread the virus. Your medical provider will help determine whether you are a candidate for testing.

Capital Health has set up trailers outside of the hospital to evaluate and identify those who are infected with coronavirus.

Residents should contact their medical provider first to make sure they meet criteria for testing (displaying symptoms such as cough, fever or shortness of breath). The trailers are operating 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Residents should call ahead of visiting, 609-303-4000.

There are public testing locations across the state that are sponsored by FEMA, a Federal Emergency Management Agency. Testing is open to New Jersey residents only. You must bring identification to show proof of NJ residency (government issued photo ID). If a health care worker or first responder, bring appropriate ID. Parent/Guardian of an individual less than 18 years of age must be present. Testing will be staffed by New Jersey Department of Health, the New Jersey State police, and the New Jersey National Guard.

Testing is free and will be covered by the federal government or personal insurance company. If you have health insurance, please bring your healthcare/Medical insurance card, although this is not a requirement to be tested. Do not take fever-reducing medicine prior to testing (such as Tylenol or Advil) for at least 6 hours prior to arrival. Pre-registration is not required.

These are drive-thru FEMA community-based testing sites for symptomatic individuals only:

1. Bergen County Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus (Bergen County) will hold public COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals only. This means anyone wishing to be tested must meet specific testing criteria: fever of at least 99.60F and respiratory symptoms or shortness of breath. Those who do NOT meet the criteria will be turned away. If you have a prescription for testing, please bring it with you. Testing is from 8am-4pm and will be 7 days a week. No stop date has been established.

2. PNC Art Center, 116 Garden State Parkway in Holmdel (Monmouth County) will hold public COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals only. This means anyone wishing to be tested must meet specific testing criteria: fever of at least 99.60F and respiratory symptoms or shortness of breath. Those who do NOT meet the criteria will be turned away. If you have a prescription for testing, please bring it with you. Testing will be 7 days a week. No stop date has been established.

3. A South Jersey community-based location is being discussed.

For more information about the community-based testing in NJ, please refer to the Governor’s press release:

• March 28, Both Bergen Co College and PNC Arts Center Testing Sites will be open to symptomatic Health Care Workers and First Responders (police, fire, and EMS) with proper credentials only. Complete the self-assessment on www.covid19.nj.gov.

• April 4, 2020 at PNC Arts Center testing site will be open to symptomatic Health Care Workers and First Responders (police, fire, and EMS) with proper credentials only. Complete the self-assessment on www.covid19.nj.gov.