East Orange, NJ, May 14, 2020: Starting on Friday, May 15, all East Orange residents – symptomatic or asymptomatic – can be tested for COVID-19 at a drive-through location at 161 Elmwood Avenue (the Old V.L.D. School Complex).
The East Orange Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with Platinum Health Services, Central Jersey Urgent Care, and Accu Reference Medical Lab, will be offering COVID-19 testing to all East Orange residents who want to be tested, regardless of insurance, ability to pay or whether they have symptoms or not. Testing is available by appointment only. There is no up-front cost for testing.
Testing will be held between 1pm-4pm on Tuesdays and Fridays for residents ages 18 and up and for essential employees and seniors ages 60 and up on Thursdays. Appointments may be made by visiting https://www.clockwisemd.com/hospitals/5326/visits/new.
A limited number of antibody (serology) tests are available at the drive-through site daily. During their telemedicine appointment, residents should state if the antibody test is wanted.
“We need to test as many residents as possible to understand how widespread COVID-19 is in the City of East Orange, especially among our most vulnerable populations,” said Mayor Ted R. Green. “Expanding testing is not only key to helping us flatten the curve, but it also influences our thinking about a strategic plan to safely reopen our city.”
Dr. Monique S. Griffith, Director of Health and Human Services, along with the East Orange Board of Health and Health Officer Victor Kuteyi, have been at the forefront of raising public health awareness of the COVID-19 Pandemic since early February when reports of positive cases on U.S. soil first emerged. Since then, the Green Administration has been working tirelessly to keep residents informed, enforce state-mandated guidelines, provide resources to those in need and to increase access to testing.
"Increasing access to testing for all of our residents despite their insurance coverage and presentation of symptoms is an important step in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will inform our reopening strategy," said Dr. Griffith. "Many residents who had symptoms and those without symptoms have contacted us requesting this type of support and we are pleased that we are able to meet the local need."
To date, East Orange has 1,699 positive cases and 161 confirmed deaths, accounting for a little more than 10% of cases in Essex County, which were 15,905 positive cases.
Please follow the four steps below to sign up for an appointment:
Step 1: Schedule a telemedicine appointment and complete intake documents using the following link: https://www.clockwisemd.com/hospitals/5326/visits/new.
Step 2: After your telemedicine appointment, select a date for testing.
Step 3: Arrive on the day of the appointment with your confirmation number, ID, and a face covering.
Step 4: After taking your test, leave the site and await your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for an appointment? All East Orange residents including seniors (60y and older) and essential personnel working within the City of East Orange whether or not they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
How do I obtain a referral or prescription for COVID-19 on-site testing? This is not needed, as one will be generated after your scheduled telemedicine appointment.
What do I need to do to prepare for my COVID-19 test? On the day of your appointment, bring a) yourself, b) a valid photo ID, c) proof of residence or status as an essential personnel and d) proof of insurance. For general testing-related inquiries, contact the Department of Health and Human Services (973-266-5480) for assistance.
How is the COVID-19 testing administered? The swab test for COVID-19 used by Accu Reference Lab is a test to determine whether or not you have the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A limited number of antibody (serology) tests are available at the drive-through site daily. If antibody testing is desired, state this during your telemedicine appointment.
Is the COVID-19 test that is available on-site free? For the insured: All screening and collection fees will be billed to your insurance. Deductibles, co-insurance and copays do not apply. For the uninsured: We want to ensure that you are able to access COVID-19 testing, if desired. If you are uninsured, please contact the East Orange Department of Health and Human Services (973-266-5480) for assistance and guidance.
What do I do on the day of testing? On the day you are scheduled to be tested, visit drive-through location. Be sure to wear a face covering and maintain social distance. The number of individuals per vehicle should be limited to two (2).
How will I get my COVID-19 test results? The urgent care facility will contact you directly to notify you of your results in approximately 3-4 business days.
What do I do while I wait for my COVID-19 test results? While you await your results, follow the existing CDC guidelines related to the precautions to be taken while in the community. This includes but is not limited to staying home if you are able, wearing face coverings, maintaining an appropriate distance from others when in public, and washing your hands frequently with soap and water. If you must leave home due to an emergency, please be sure to wear a face covering at all times.
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