Raritan Valley College Eyed As Possible Coronavirus Testing Site

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Due to lack of supplies, Somerset and Hunterdon Counties are now looking to team up to open a joint drive-thru coronavirus testing site.

"We have identified a few spots... it will be something central to both counties," Somerset County Freeholder Director Shanel Y. Robinson told Patch. "I can say that at the top of the list is RVCC [Raritan Valley Community College]."

Somerset County had initially begun looking to open a COVID-19 testing site for county residents in March 20. However, due to the lack of test kits for residents and personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff it has caused the partnership with Hunterdon County with the help of Congressman Tom Malinowski and Gov. Philip Murphy.

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"We’ve been working very hard behind the scenes to get access to supplies and to set up a test site for the health and safety of our residents," said Robinson.

Somerset County’s Office of Emergency Management is accepting donations from residents and 'nonessential' businesses of PPE supplies for the benefit of RWJ University Hospital-Somerset and local first responders.

"We are looking at every possible avenue," Robinson said. "Every bit of donation will help."

The types of PPE being requested include:

• Nitrile gloves (any size)
• Coveralls / tyvek suits / medical gowns (any sizes)
• Face shields / Goggles
• N95 masks
• P100 masks / Air Purifying Respirators

Only unexpired items will be accepted.

A drop off location is set up at the Somerset County Public Works Garage, at 410 Roycefield Rd., Hillsborough. Drop offs will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Friday.

For more information, contact the Somerset County Office of Emergency Management at EmergencyMgmt@co.somerset.nj.us.

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