The big thing on everyone’s minds is, of course, Coronavirus. Each day, more and more positive cases are coming to light and that is thanks to more and more testing being done. If you do feel under the weather and concerned you may have it, here’s how + where to get tested across NJ. Now, Hoboken has had its own testing center open via Riverside Medical Group for quite some time, and as of April, the center began offering rapid 15-minute testing results to Hoboken residents with and without symptoms — a major stride in the fight against COVID-19. Now, to take things a bit further, the site will be open to “all employees of any local Hoboken business are now eligible for rapid, COVID-19 testing through the Riverside testing location in Hoboken,” according to a press release. Here’s what you need to know:
The New Testing
Previously, the Riverside Medical group was open to all Hoboken residents with symptoms to get tested via appointment only. And on Friday, April 27th, the site began to utilize rapid 15-minute testing results. Then, a few days later, the site began to administer testing to residents who have symptoms of COVID-19 and those who not.
Now, in an attempt to move things along even further, the site is now open to “all employees of any local Hoboken business.” Yes, all employees of any local Hoboken business — therefore, if you work in Hoboken, you are eligible for testing via the Riverside site in the Mile Square.
“The testing expansion reflects Hoboken’s commitment to assisting small businesses with additional safety precautions in preparation for a gradual re-opening. Employees of Hoboken businesses do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms in order to receive a test,” a press release issued by the City said.
“Hoboken is committed to providing businesses with the tools they need to safely re-open,” said Mayor Bhalla in that release. “Access to COVID-19 testing for employees is a critical component of restoring confidence to customers and lending a helping hand to our small businesses during this pandemic.”
“We at Riverside Medical Group understand that COVID-19 testing plays an integral part in reopening our cities and towns as safely as we can along with following other safety precautions and continued social distancing,” Dr. Gaurang Brahmbhatt from Riverside Medical Group added.
To get tested, business employees must register for a COVID-19 test. The Hoboken business owner or employee should call the Community Emergency Response Team {CERT} hotline in City Hall at 201-420-5621, Monday through Friday from 9:00AM-5:00PM to register for an appointment. Business owners can also call the hotline and provide a list of employees over the phone.
Like testing for residents, employees can either walk or drive to the testing site at the designated time. Proof of employment at a Hoboken business, such as a copy of a paycheck, tax form, or signed letter from the owner of a business, is required at the time of testing. If an employee does not have health insurance, the City will pay for the cost of the test. Walk-ins are not permitted.
The process for getting tested for residents, however, will remain the same. Mile Square residents must call 201-420-5621 to schedule a test through the City Hall hotline on Monday through Saturday from 9:00AM-5:00PM. “If your insurance does not cover it, the City will pay for the cost,” Mayor Bhalla explained.
Local Updates
Currently, Hoboken has 563 cases of COVID-19, and as of May 26th, according to Governor Murphy, there are 155,764 positive COVID-19 cases in New Jersey, and 18,096 in Hudson County.
Also, Jersey City has 6,709 confirmed cases and as of May 26th, for those JC residents looking to get tested at the 465 Marin Boulevard walk-up site, appointments are no longer required. Of course, those numbers are subject to change with every passing minute, but rest assured, we will be providing the most up-to-date information on coronavirus-related news in Hoboken and Jersey City here.
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