EDISON – A drive-thru COVID-19 testing will open at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission on April 1, according to Middlesex County officials.
The drive-thru is in partnership with Middlesex County and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The MVC has been closed indefinitely in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The site, 33 Kilmer Road, will be open three days a week – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – and will join testing sites Bergen County Community College in Paramus and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.
People wishing to be tested will be required to make an appointment and meet a set of criteria. Appointments can be made starting at 10 a.m. on March 31.
“Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, it has been remarkable to see how powerful our community is and the strength we have when we collectively work together for our family, friends, and neighbors,” Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios said. “Our county has been proudly working with our state and local officials to bring this testing site to the residents of Middlesex County, and we hope that this aids our health officials in their efforts.”
Edison Mayor Thomas Lankey commended the strong leadership of Gov. Phil Murphy, the county’s legislative representatives, Rios and county freeholders, and Middlesex County Administrator John Pulomena.
“We look forward to working in partnership with them as the Kilmer Vehicle Inspection Center becomes a temporary testing site for the COVID-19 virus,” he said. “We know that people everywhere are facing difficult and uncertain times, and we will continue working every day to provide information and services for Edison residents. It is critically important that people all over town know that while they may be practicing social isolation, they are certainly not alone.”
Criteria for testing
Middlesex County residents with a valid driver’s license or state issued identification are able to make an appointment online or via phone, and must have either a valid doctor’s prescription or be exhibiting symptoms which include a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher (99.6 degrees for people 65 years and older), respiratory symptoms and/or shortness of breath.
Middlesex County residents who have symptoms and would like to be tested should visit Middlesexcountynj.gov/COVID19testing to register and receive a time to report to the testing site. Registrants must bring the completed registration form and a valid driver’s license or state issued ID to the testing site.
If the resident does not have access to the internet or is having connectivity problems, they are instructed to call 732-745-3100 to make an appointment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments will only be made the day prior to a testing day.
If the person is not a Middlesex County resident, does not have a scheduled appointment, or does not have symptoms, they will not receive testing.
Test kits and results
The county has been working with the state, as well as a number of private labs, to secure the number of test kits needed to sustain a testing center. The collected specimens will be sent to one of the approved laboratories, and positive results will be reported within 2-5 business days.
“These testing sites will provide the ability for our professionals to gather information about the spread of the disease, work to identify areas in which an infected person may have come into contact with others, and determine the appropriate action,” Middlesex County Health Officer Lester Jones said. “This information will help us make informed decisions on how we deal with this outbreak and work to mitigate the spread in our county.”
Resources for more information
Residents can visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov/COVID-19 or call 2-1-1 for information about the testing site; or call the Middlesex County Office of Health Services at 732-745-3100.
If residents have questions about COVID-19, they can call 2-1-1 or the 24-hour public hotline at 1-800-962-1252 or 1-800-222-1222, or text NJCOVID to 898-211. They can also text a zip code to 898-211 for live text assistance.
If individuals are feeling stressed or overwhelmed about COVID-19, they can call the New Jersey Department of Human Services toll free “warm line” at 877-294-HELP (4357); TTY 877-294-4356.
