WPU testing site will expand to Passaic County residents with no COVID-19 symptoms
Richard CowenWAYNE — Beginning Tuesday morning, coronavirus testing at Passaic County's William Paterson University screening site will be open to all county residents, regardless of whether they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
Until now, testing has been limited to first responders and people who have symptoms of the disease and a doctor's prescription. But under the new rules announced by the county, any Passaic County resident will be able to go to WPU and get a free nasal swab test.
Gov. Phil Murphy has called expanded testing crucial to reopening the economy in New Jersey, which has the second-highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country behind New York. Test sites at Bergen Community College in Paramus, the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel and Weequahic Park in Newark have also expanded to include asymptomatic residents.
“The county of Passaic government led by the Freeholder Board continues to work tirelessly to implement guidance from health professionals to keep our community safe," said Freeholder Director Cassandra "Sandi" Lazzara. "Expanding testing to asymptomatic individuals is an important step in the fight against COVID-19."
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The WPU test site is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the supply of test kits runs out. Testing is free, but patients must show ID.
County Administrator Anthony J. DeNova said that while screening is being broadened, the priority will go to those who are ill or have had close contact with COVID-19 cases.
“While testing is expanding to include asymptomatic individuals, the priority will be individuals who are close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, individuals who traveled to [or] from highly affected areas, or those who are sick and experiencing at least three of the nine CDC-recognized symptoms of COVID-19," DeNova said.
As of Monday, there were 139,945 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in New Jersey and 9,310 deaths. Passaic County has recorded 14,645 cases and 747 deaths — ranked fourth among counties behind Bergen, Hudson and Essex.
In addition, Rite Aid is offering free nasal swab testing to people over 18 at the following locations in North Jersey:
- 60 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick
- 219 Essex St., Hackensack
- 1366 Clifton Ave., Clifton
- 104 12th Ave., Newark
Testing is by appointment only and can be scheduled online at riteaid.com.
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: cowenr@northjersey.com Twitter: @richardcowen123