COVID-19 Testing Machines Delivered To 9 Somerset County Schools

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Nine Somerset County schools received the first of a dozen COVID-19 testing machines and kits.

The machines were provided by Somerset County’s Department of Health (SCDoH) to help the schools protect students and staff against COVID-19 during the new academic year.

"We've worked since May with schools in Somerset County to provide the tools needed for a safe, healthy, and successful school year as our children return to in-person learning in the face of the continued COVID-19 pandemic," said Somerset County Commissioner Douglas Singleterry, liaison to the Department of Health.

The SCDoH used part of its Enhanced Laboratory Capacity Grant from the NJ CARES Act to support the purchase of the testing machines and 100 test kits for Somerset County schools that requested them. The cost, in total which is about $125,000, will be completely covered by the grant and not by the schools or local property taxpayers.

The schools who received this donation include:

• Rutgers Prep - Franklin
• St. Matthias - Franklin
• Yighua International School - Franklin
• Central Jersey Prep Charter School - Franklin
• Hamilton Street Middle School Franklin
• Elizabeth Ave. Middle School – Franklin
• Franklin High School - Franklin
• Thomas Edison Energy Smart School - Franklin
• North Plainfield High School – North Plainfield

The county has also been partnering with more than a dozen schools to provide vaccinations for students 12 and older throughout the summer.

"And now with the delivery of these testing machines are adding another layer of protection for our children, teachers, and staff," said Singleterry.

Parents who would like to have their 12 and older children vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, recently granted full approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can come to the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center, 876 E Main Street in Bridgewater any Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. for a first or second dose.

All upcoming Somerset County clinics featuring Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines, are listed at co.somerset.nj.us/vaxclinics.

Clinics featuring Pfizer or Moderna will provide third doses for immunocompromised residents of Somerset County who have completed courses with these vaccines. At this time the CDC has not approved additional doses for other residents, but when it is approved the SCDoH will roll out clinics to provide them.

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