FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East Orange's COVID-19 Federal Testing Site Serving All New Jersey Residents Will Remain Open Until January 24; Includes New Evening Hours

January 20, 2022, East Orange, NJ: Due to high demand and need, the operation for the free East Orange Federal COVID-19 Testing Site serving all New Jersey residents has been extended until Monday, January 24, with later hours being offered on Mondays and Thursdays.  

On January 1, in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and a surge in access to testing, Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council and the Department of Health and Human Services, under the direction of Dr. Monique Griffith, partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to open the federal testing site in East Orange located at 90 Halsted Street. 

The testing site was opened as the first federally-funded testing site in the nation as part of the CDC’s new Increasing Community Access to Testing for COVID-19 Surge Response Effort. Now, with only one more week in service, city officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of the local site.

With a high capacity to administer up to 1,000 nasal PCR tests per day and qualified staffing, the model program accepts both individuals who pre-register or walk up. Pre-registered test takers with printed copies of confirmed online appointments have been able to walk right in the door to be tested, while those who are not registered are being assisted immediately. Printing assistance and technical support will be provided to those who need it. **This site is also ADA compliant.**

“We understand that residents are seeking to get tested more regularly to return to work and school while new COVID-19 variants circulate,” said Dr. Griffith. “We are fortunate to have a very valuable resource right here in East Orange, and it is in the best interest of all to take advantage while it is available. Knowing your status will continue to help protect the safety and well-being of not just yourself, but of your family and our community.

To date, East Orange has reported a total of 160,180 positive cases since March 2020 and 349 deaths. The city is only second in Essex County behind the City of Newark in its number of positive cases. 

Testing results are generally available within 48 hours. 

Free parking is available at a main lot at Freeway Drive and Halsted Street with overflow parking available in two additional adjacent lots.

For questions, more information about the federal COVID-19 testing site, vaccinations, or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.eovaccine.org.