CLAYTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — With the holidays approaching, New Jersey is trying to meet the demand for COVID-19 testing.
A free drive-through testing location opened Wednesday at the Gloucester County complex in Clayton.
New Jersey has more than 100 sites where residents can be tested. The Clayton site is operated under a state contract with Vault Health.
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Vault Health National Medical Director Dr. Myles Spar said people who opt for an antigen test can find out within 15 minutes if they’re infected.
“Basically if you want a rapid test, you want a result right away. You’re concerned you may be contagious. You’re going to be around family members that day or the next day. Then it’s great to get a rapid antigen test to make sure you’re negative,” Spar said.
The site also offers saliva PCR tests, with results available in a day or two.
“Unfortunately, what we’re seeing with omicron, even vaccinated people are able to get the virus and transmit it even if they don’t get sick,” Spar said.
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“You don’t want to transmit it to people who are vulnerable, who may be unvaccinated or immune-compromised or who are older, and so their immune system hasn’t responded to the vaccine that well.”
Linda Schnatterer of Deptford was among the first to arrive at the Clayton test site.
“I am a cancer survivor, so that is scary for me too," she said. "Even though I’ve had all of my shots, I don’t want to be in the hospital. I don’t want to be sick.”
She came for a rapid test after learning that a coworker tested positive.
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“I’d rather be safe than sorry,” Schnatterer told KYW Newsradio.
“I have a grandson who’s only four years old and I want to see him for the holidays, and I don’t want to be by myself for the holidays.”
The state is also offering free at-home test kits with next-day delivery. Results are available 24 to 48 hours after they’re received at the lab.
