Somerset County Explores Opening Drive-Thru Coronavirus Test Site

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County is looking to set up the county's first drive-thru testing site for the new coronavirus.

"We have identified several areas in Somerset County but we are not ready to reveal where yet," said Freeholder Director Shanel Y. Robinson after Governor Phil Murphy asked all of the counties to identify a location.

Currently there are test sites set up in Bergen County and Morris County. The sites allow county residents who feel symptomatic with COVID-19 to drive-up to be tested.

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Somerset County is also working to secure test kits and the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff.

It will be determined by the State and FEMA if Somerset County will need a testing site and how many sites, Robinson said.

"I think we are in a great position about how we are handling everything," Robinson said. "All the information as you know is evolving and coming in hard and fast. We are using every channel possible to get information to the public."

If and when a testing site is established a release will be sent out to notify Somerset County residents.

As of Friday at 2 p.m., Murphy said there are 155 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the state total to 890. There were also two more deaths, raising the total to 11 deaths. (See Related: Gov. Murphy: 2 More NJ Coronavirus Deaths, Strong Measures Coming)

There were four new cases in Somerset County on Friday bringing the county total to 28. Peapack and Gladstone and Manville also reported their first case on Friday as well. (See Related: Peapack-Gladstone Reports 1st Positive Coronavirus Case; Manville Reports 1st Positive Coronavirus Case)

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