Passaic County on Saturday shut down its drive-thru test site at William Paterson University, marking an end to the three-month, all-volunteer effort set up in the early days of the pandemic that administered nasal swabs to more than 15,000 residents.
In its place, Passaic County is now offering free saliva tests, either self-administered through the at-home testing program (sign up at www.passaiccountynj.org) or from a new mobile unit.
“From the beginning our goal has been to provide access to testing for as many residents as possible. Moreover, it was really important that testing was readily available regardless of anyone’s economic circumstances, which is why we decided to initially open free testing for residents,,” said Freeholder Director Sandi Lazzara. “With the closing of the county testing facility, we will continue our mobile testing and at-home testing programs, which will continue to be free for county residents.”
Passaic County’s mobile unit will be at Ringwood Borough Hall on Wednesday, at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne on Thursday, and at Passaic Valley Regional High School in Little Falls on Monday. No appointment is necessary, but you need to show ID. Testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday that drive-thru test stations at BergenCommunity College in Paramus and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel will be closing at the end of the month. The governor said there are 251 test sites around the state, and to find a location, check out www.covid19.NJ.gov.
Passaic County is also sponsoring two free food giveaways this week: at the Willowbrook Mall (in the Sears parking lot) on Wednesday, and at School No. 28, 200 Presidential Boulevard, Paterson, on Friday. The county plans to distribute 500 cartons of food on a first-come, first-served basis to residents from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Line-up starts at 11 a.m.
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Also, on Monday, there will be a food giveaway beginning at 12:30 at Contempo Plaza, 220 Passaic Street, Passaic.
The governor is urging people to wear masks, practice social distancing and get tested, with more businesses reopening. Drive-thru test sites, which were swamped in the early days of the pandemic, are now closing as the state shifts to community-based sites such as pharmacies, and self-administered tests.
As of Tuesday, Passaic County had recorded 16,794 positive tests and 1,019 deaths due to the coronavirus, making it the fourth hardest-hit county behind Bergen, Hudson and Essex.
Overall, New Jersey has reached 169,734 coronavirus cases and 12,949 deaths. But the good news is that the case numbers and the rate have declined steadily since mid-April. New Jersey recorded 382 new cases on Monday as compared to 4,400 on April 15.
Murphy announced on Tuesday that amusement parks, water parks, playgrounds and boardwalk rides will all be allowed to reopen on July 2, but at 50 percent capacity, with tougher hygiene and everyone wearing masks. Restaurants will be allowed indoor dining with 25 percent capacity.
At Tuesday’s news briefing, Murphy urged residents to remain disciplined and adhere to the safety protocols and not be a “knucklehead.”
“Keep your distances. Wear your face coverings, be smart and courteous. The world isn’t just about you. It’s about all nine million of us (New Jersey residents). Don’t be the knucklehead who ruins it for everyone else.”
Richard Cowen covers Superior Court in Passaic County for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from criminal trials to local lawsuits and insightful analysis, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @richardcowen123