COVID Test Seekers Told No Tests At RWJ Barnabas Emergency Rooms

NEW JERSEY — As positive COVID-19 cases soar in New Jersey and residents search for tests, many hospitals, including RWJBarnabas Health facilities, are asking you not to come for testing.

"RWJBarnabas Health facilities, including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, are not primary testing centers for COVID-19," according to RWJ Spokeswoman Kathleen Roberts. "Our Emergency Departments are here to care for patients experiencing symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention."

Instead, the health care system is advising community members who are in need of a COVID-19 test and who do not need a medical screening exam or do not to be seen by a practitioner, to visit covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing for a testing location.

Roberts also reported that the COVID-19 positive patient volume across the health care system has "continued to increase."

The best defense against COVID-19 is full vaccination, including a booster dose when appropriate, wearing a mask, frequent hand washing and social distancing, according to the health care system.

"We remain committed to the highest level of care for all of our patients and their families," said Roberts.

Hackensack Meridian Health also advised residents not to come for testing.

"The emergency room should not be your primary destination if you are looking for a COVID test and have mild to moderate symptoms. You should only visit the emergency room if you experience symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention," according to Hackensack Meridian Health.

Saint Peter's University Hospital announced Wednesday they are permanently closing down the rapid drive-through COVID testing the hospital offered in its parking lot due an increasing number of COVID patients now coming into the emergency room. Read More: Saint Peter's Ends COVID Testing Due To ER Increase In Patients

The need for testing is on the rise after New Jersey hit a new record Wednesday, with 20,483 new COVID-19 virus cases reported in one day and also 50 new deaths.

This new record is just about 5,000 more than the previous record from last week when New Jersey reported 15,482 cases. Read More: Highest-Ever COVID Case Numbers Recorded In NJ

Governor Phil Murphy recently announced there are more than 100 free and public COVID-19 testing sites throughout New Jersey.

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