Atlantic County To Get Coronavirus Drive-Thru Test Center

MAYS LANDING, NJ — Atlantic County will open a drive-thru testing site for the novel coronavirus in the Hamilton Mall parking lot. The location will provide testing by appointment to county residents who show symptoms of the virus and have a doctor's script.

The County will perform its first testing Thursday for symptomatic health-care workers and first responders by appointment. Testing for the public begins next week.

Instructions for making appointments are forthcoming, county officials said. Atlantic County received 600 test kits and personal protective equipment for the drive-thru facility.

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"The reality is, whether you test positive or not," said County Executive Dennis Levinson, "we must all do our part by adhering to the social distancing requirements to protect ourselves and our communities. That truly is our best defense to reduce the spread.”

Officials will report results to the Division of Public Health, who will contact residents who test positive upon confirmation.

State officials have reported 132 positive cases in Atlantic County as of Monday afternoon, including one death. An Egg Harbor Township man in his late 50s with underlying health conditions died from the virus, officials announced last week. Read more: Gov. Phil Murphy Reports 1st Coronavirus Death In Atlantic County

Governor Phil Murphy announced 3,663 new cases and 86 more deaths Monday. Murphy noted a decline in the growth rate in cases — from 24 percent day-over-day last Monday to 12 percent this Monday. State officials have reported 41,090 total positive cases and 1,003 deaths. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Coronavirus May 'Spill Meaningfully Into The Summer'

"The curve is flattening," Murphy said. "But, this is no time to spike any footballs or to take our foot off the gas. We still have a week-and-a-half to go, at least, until we hit the peak. This isn't over — not by a long shot."

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