Ocean County Expands Covid-19 Drive-Through Testing, Will Open Saturdays

A drive-through testing facility at Ocean County College, March 30, 2020. (Photo: Ocean County)

Ocean County will again increase the hours of coronavirus testing at the Ocean County College drive thru test site and will add Saturday hours during December, officials announced Monday.

Testing by appointment will now be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., five days a week and from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays beginning Dec. 5.

“The increase in hours will allow us to increase the number of tests conducted to more than 300 per day,” said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who is liaison to the Ocean County Health Department. “Since the opening of the test site in March, we have closely monitored the needs and consistently adjusted the hours of testing at the college to accommodate our residents.”

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As of Nov. 30, Ocean County has recorded 21,993 cases of the coronavirus, which has seen spikes statewide over the past month. Through Nov. 25, 13,004 coronavirus tests have been performed at the college testing site.

The testing site located off of Hooper Avenue, here, provides tests for both symptomatic and asymptomatic county residents. Appointments are required.

“As people see the number of positive cases increase, more want to be tested,” said Ocean County Public Health Coordinator Daniel Regenye. “Testing will show if you have the virus even if you are asymptomatic. This can help reduce the spread of the virus so long as people quarantine.”

The expanded hours reflects additional demand, Regenye said.

Those interested in scheduling an appointment for a test – open to Ocean County residents only – can visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org.  Residents who have questions can call the Health Department at 732-341-9700, Ext. 7411. Proof of residency will be required. All emergency responders can also access testing at the site.

“At the Ocean County College testing site, residents remain in their cars and medical personnel perform a nasal swab,” Little noted. “We have worked to make this convenient and more importantly safe for the public, the health care providers on site and staff.”

Once the test has been performed, it’s anticipated to take about three to five days for results to be returned, which are displayed on a laboratory portal website provided to those who are tested.