Building upon the success of drive-thru testing sites in Edison and South Brunswick, new convenient testing will be available in New Brunswick

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Middlesex County’s Department of Public Safety & Health and Office of Health Services, in collaboration with the City of New Brunswick and the City of New Brunswick Public School System, will open a by-appointment-only walk-up COVID-19 testing site at the A.C. Redshaw Elementary School located at 216 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick.  The site will provide the recently unveiled saliva-based test kits to County residents this week, on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Middlesex County – with its advanced infrastructure, operational capabilities, deep workforce of healthcare professionals, as well as key partnerships – is uniquely positioned to provide expanded testing resources to its community. From the onset of the pandemic, walk-up facilities were part of the County’s multi-faceted strategy to expand the availability of testing for all residents, from suburban to urban areas where individuals may not have access to vehicles. Middlesex County continues explore new ways to increase testing capabilities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The innovative saliva-based testing method, developed by RUCDR Infinite Biologics and Accurate Diagnostic Labs in conjunction with RWJBarnabas Health, will be performed at this site to detect for the presence of the COVID-19 virus. Middlesex County was the first in the nation to pilot this newly developed testing procedure on April 15 in Edison, which offers rapid turnaround of results in 24-48 hours. Since its initial use at Edison, the saliva test has also been deployed by Middlesex County to its testing site in South Brunswick.

“Throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, our municipalities have been integral partners to the County, working with us to give residents vital access to testing. This week’s opening of the walk-up testing site is the result of weeks of planning even prior to the introduction of the pilot site in Edison. Ultimately our County has the foresight to expand testing as it will be the best weapon against the spread of this deadly virus. On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I would like to thank the City of New Brunswick and New Brunswick Public Schools for their collaboration in this effort,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios.

“One of the most effective tools in slowing the spread of the Coronavirus is the ability to perform large numbers of field tests. By using the innovative saliva-based testing first introduced by Middlesex County earlier this month, and its ability to provide rapid results, this new walk-up site will help the County and City even better gauge the level of infection and help our residents get the care they need,” said New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill. “New Brunswick is extremely grateful for the County’s leadership and vision and our continued partnership with our Public Schools.”

“Our main priority during this challenging time is taking care of our residents and first responders. By dramatically increasing testing capabilities and to offer it free, we are saving countless lives in our County and beyond. There hasn’t been a time that I have been prouder to be a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders than now as we are working tirelessly on every front to fight this battle. Together with our partners, healthcare professionals and our residents, we will defeat this virus,” said Freeholder and Chair of Public Safety & Health Committee, Shanti Narra.

HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO BE TESTED

To receive testing, you must be a Middlesex County resident (proof of residency is required including, but not limited to: a valid driver’s license; state issued identification; or two pieces of mail including utility bills, bank statements, or similar documentation with name and address), make an appointment online or via phone, as well as either have a valid doctor’s prescription or be exhibiting symptoms which include: fever 100.4 degrees or higher (99.6 degrees for people 65 years and older); respiratory symptoms; and/or shortness of breath.

Those wishing to be tested will be required to make an appointment beginning at 10 am two days before the desired test day. Residents wishing to make an appointment should visit Middlesexcountynj.gov/COVID19testing to register and receive a time to report to the testing site. If the resident does not have access to the internet or has connectivity problems, they are instructed to call 732-745-3100 to make an appointment beginning at 10 am.

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.

A full list of testing dates and locations, including those at Edison and South Brunswick, is updated regularly at  http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/PSH/Pages/COVID-19–Testing.aspx.

ABOUT THE COVID-19 SALIVA TEST

The saliva test developed by RUCDR and Accurate Diagnostic Labs has several significant advantages over the nasal or throat swab test, which include:

The saliva testing method is based on a Nobel Prize-winning laboratory technique that makes millions of copies of the SARS-CoV-2 virus nucleic acid (in this case RNA) in a sample. This test is being offered through FDA EUA#200090 and can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/media/136876/download. The new method will revolutionize testing capabilities nationally.

For more information and resources on COVID-19, please visit Middlesexcountynj.gov/covid19.