Coronavirus Tests To Begin At NJ Developmental Centers: Murphy

NEW JERSEY — Testing for new coronavirus at each of New Jersey’s five developmental centers will begin next week, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Thursday.

All residents and staff at the facilities will be tested using saliva-based testing developed by Rutgers University, Murphy said. The state's five developmental centers have about 1,250 residents and 4,300 staff.

“A robust and aggressive testing program is vital in order for us to protect our most vulnerable populations and contain future outbreaks of COVID-19,” Murphy said. “Rutgers University’s FDA-approved saliva-based test system will significantly expand our testing capability by providing rapid results and the critical data necessary to determine when we can safely reopen New Jersey. I am grateful for our partnership with Rutgers University and incredibly proud of their innovative breakthrough to help New Jersey defeat this virus.”

There are five developmental centers throughout the state that treat residents who have intensive needs due to their developmental disabilities. Many have co-occurring mental health, behavioral health and/or medical needs. They are in Green Brook, Clinton, New Lisbon, Vineland and Woodbine. Information on the centers is available on the state’s website.

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Rutgers announced earlier this month that its genetics department had developed technology that can test as many as tens of thousands of saliva samples in one day for coronavirus.

The testing is done on human spit samples, and it was created at Rutgers' RUCDR Infinite Biologics, part of Rutgers' Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey.

Testing can be done without the need for a medical professional to take the sample. Results can be available within three days of testing. Read more here: Rutgers Launches Fast-Results Saliva Testing For Coronavirus

“Rutgers’ mission is to serve the public, and we’re proud to partner with our state government to expand testing for all New Jerseyans, including our developmentally disabled community,” Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Chancellor Brian Strom said. “Rutgers RUCDR’s new saliva-based test is a game changer in terms of expanding testing nationwide, and we’re awaiting FDA approval of the test for self-collection at home, which will only further increase the number of screenings. RUCDR’s research exemplifies the tremendous efforts of Rutgers health care professionals at all levels, from the lab to the front lines of patient care.”

While starting in the developmental centers, the state is looking to expand testing to additional state workers and individuals in the state’s care, officials said.

“Human Services is continuing to work 24/7 to support and protect individuals with developmental disabilities across our State. Our work includes supporting COVID-19 testing for the New Jerseyans who call our developmental centers home and the critical staff who care for and support them,” New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with our flagship New Jersey state university on testing as we continue to take action to support our residents in this unprecedented and challenging time. Today’s announcement builds on the Department’s focus on prevention and mitigation in our centers through restricting visitors; ceasing community outings; conducting staff screening including temperature taking; and, reviewing infection control, cleaning and cohorting procedures. The Department will continue to take all available actions to support our residents and staff.”

“As we work to expand testing across the state, we will be prioritizing the most vulnerable populations like those who reside in these centers,” New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith M. Persichilli said.

As of Thursday, there were 99,989 positive cases of the coronavirus in New Jersey, and 5,368 people have died. Read more here: Gov. Murphy: Here’s Where Coronavirus Slowing Most, Least In NJ

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know