Waiting List Swells For Essex County Drive-Thru Coronavirus Tests – Newark, NJ Patch
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — About 5,000 people were left without an appointment last week at Essex County’s drive-thru coronavirus testing site, officials reported Friday.
In March, county officials launched a vehicle-only COVID-19 testing site at Weequahic Park in Newark. The site – which is open to all county residents – began running on limited dates with anywhere from 100 to 150 tests per day.
After the initial dates were swamped by anxious county residents, officials beefed up the number of available tests to 250 and offered another round of testing. It still wasn’t enough.
“After filling all of the appointments for the testing site this week, there were about 5,000 people who submitted registration and did not receive an appointment,” Essex County officials said Friday.
“Their information has been kept on file and those placed on the waiting list will be given an appointment to get tested at Weequahic Park in the order their registration was accepted,” officials said.
Residents will be provided with a confirmation number which they must bring with them to their appointment.
Essex County will be holding its next round of tests on the following days from 9 a.m. to noon. It’s only open to those on the waiting list; no new appointments are being made (see more details below):
- Monday, April 13
- Wednesday, April 15
- Friday, April 17
“We are pleased to be able to offer additional dates to allow more residents to be tested for the coronavirus,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., Freeholder President Brendan Gill and Freeholder Vice President Wayne Richardson said in a joint statement.
“Testing is the most effective way to determine if a person has the virus and will help us get a handle on how far-reaching it has become,” they continued. “”We continue to urge our residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, which include practicing social distancing, washing their hands and staying indoors.”
Essex County will continue to administer the virus screening at Weequahic Park as long as supplies of test kits, gowns, facial masks and gloves last, officials said.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
According to county officials, screenings are only for Essex County residents who are “symptomatic” of COVID-19, including those that live in Belleville, Bloomfield, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, East Orange, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn/Short Hills, Montclair, Newark, North Caldwell, Nutley, Orange, Roseland, South Orange, Verona, West Caldwell and West Orange.
“This means anyone wishing to be tested must meet specific testing criteria, which includes a fever of at least 99.6 degrees and respiratory symptoms of shortness of breath,” officials stated.
Anyone exhibiting severe symptoms of the virus should contact their local health care provider or health department for guidance.
Testing is by appointment only. Officials said 250 tests will be available each day. Residents must arrive by car.
Tests are being offered free of charge to Essex County residents. Having health insurance is not a requirement. Follow up contact will be made to assess the continuing health of the person who completed the screening, officials said.
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