Want A Coronavirus Test? NJ Pharmacies Will Offer Them Soon

TRENTON, NJ — If you've been wanting to get teested for the coronavirus, the options should be expanding shortly, after New Jersey cleared the way for more than 2,200 pharmacies around the state to offer tests.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has authorized licensed pharmacists to administer testing without a prescription, at or immediately outside of a registered pharmacy. There are more than 18,000 licensed pharmacists at 2,239 pharmacies across the state.

"Our ability to get on and stay on our road back relies heavily upon having an expanded and accessible program of testing," Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday during his daily coronavirus briefing.

Don't miss local and New Jersey announcements about coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

There are 140 sites testing New Jersey residents for the coronavirus right now, and Murphy said CVS will begin offering self-swab tests at 50 of its pharmacies across the state by the end of May. The tests must be ones approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"Widespread testing is a vital component of Governor Murphy’s strategy for reopening New Jersey and we are doing everything we can to facilitate expanded testing," Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said. "With thousands of pharmacists now authorized to administer COVID-19 tests, finding a testing site in New Jersey will be as easy as walking to the corner drug store." Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy said he's hopeful of announcing the CVS locations soon, and the state is working on details for similar arrangements with other companies.

Rite Aid began offering drive-up self-swab testing at some of its pharmacies in mid-April.

Judith Persichilli, the commissioner of the state Department of Health, said the state is continuing to prioritize testing to focus on those who are vulnerable to complications if they become sick from the coronavirus, along with seasonal farm workers, front-line workers such as nurses, doctors and EMTs, and those living in densely populated cities.

"Testing is vital to slowing the spread," Persichilli said. "If we’re able to identify positive cases, we quickly can trace contacts and take the steps to protect the public."

Expanded testing also means someone who is exposed to the virus will have the ability to test and see whether they have caught it — and take steps to prevent spreading it, she said.

"Even if you don’t have symptoms it’s possible to have the virus," Persichilli said.

Officials are looking at ways to improve the reach of testing in six cities, including the possibility of a mobile testing van. Elizabeth, Camden, Trenton, Paterson, Atlantic City and Newark are the focus of those efforts, she said.

"Neighborhood pharmacists are trusted members of their communities and are often a primary source of health care services and information for their customers," said Paul R. Rodriguez, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "This order provides New Jersey residents with easy access to safe, accurate testing administered by someone they know and trust."

As of Tuesday, more than 520,000 coronavirus tests have been performed on New Jersey residents, with 149,013 testing positive for the virus. There have been 10,585 deaths from complications of COVID-19 in New Jersey so far.

Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Brick Patch on Facebook.