Atlantic County's COVID-19 testing site opens to the public next week.But don't try showing up without a prescription, an appointment and identification."You'll be sent away," said Marc Romantino, planner for the county Office of Emergency Preparedness.Set up was being done in the Hamilton Mall parking lot Wednesday, as workers readied for the first patients Thursday, when only healthcare workers and first-responders will be seen.As with the general public, they still will require a prescription and appointment.Tents, a washing station and port-o-potties (for workers) were set up behind the mall, as sheriff's officers prepared for their jobs doing security and handling traffic. While there will be limited hours, someone will be watching the site around the clock, Sheriff Eric Scheffler said.The site is set to open to the public Tuesday.
"This is something the county has promised it would do and we're doing it," said Atlantic County Public Safety Director Michael Fedorko.Currently, the site is set to have testing on Tuesdays and Thursday, but days can be added if necessary, he said.The county has acquired 600 test kits. That number also could increase, the officials said."Hopefully, we won't need any more than that," Fedorko said. "But you don't know."County residents who have symptoms must get a prescription for a test. Then, they can call for an appointment.They can then come to the back of the mall, where they will be directed around toward the site. But, first they will go through a checkpoint where their appointment will be confirmed.They must have their prescription and identification visible. Signs will let them know that they are not to roll down their windows.
Those being tested will drive up to the tent, where they will roll down their window for the test, and then it is complete.Results will be reported to the Division of Public Health. Its staff will contact residents who test positive upon confirmation.
Since the center is drive-thru, anyone being tested must come in a vehicle.Asked if there were transportation options for those who don't drive but are eligible for an appointment, county spokeswoman Linda Gilmore said a release about the site would be coming out later this week.Someone in transportation at Intergenerational Services of Atlantic County said no decisions have been made yet, but he expects to know more next week.Those being tested are encouraged to come alone, if they can.Residents who don't drive can have a family member bring them, but only the person with the prescription can be tested. The county submitted its plan for the site last week, and announced state approval Monday.“We recognize that there are many people who would like to be tested to help allay their fears and concerns, but unfortunately we only have so many test kits available and the state has restricted testing to symptomatic residents only,” Levinson said. “But the reality is, whether you test positive or not, we must all do our part by adhering to the social distancing requirements to protect ourselves and our communities. That truly is our best defense to reduce the spread.”
Atlantic County is a big step closer to getting a testing site for residents with coronavirus symptoms.
The administration submitted their plan for a site in the parking lot behind the Hamilton Mall on Wednesday, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson told BreakingAC.
The state still has to approve the site. Levinson said he wasn't sure of the turnaround time for that.
The county has been able to get about 600 tests to start and the necessary personal protective equipment, Levinson said. They are currently working on staffing.
The administration reached out to Atlantic Cape Community College and Stockton University and will even take nursing students to work the planned site.CLICK TO SEE FULL PLAN
