Hoboken Gets Rapid Coronavirus Testing

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said last week that the coronavirus testing site in northern Hoboken, run by Riverside Medical Group, now has rapid tests available, as of this past Friday.

"Those receiving a COVID-19 test will now receive their results in 15 minutes, thanks to new testing kits obtained and utilized by Riverside Medical through Abbott Laboratories," Bhalla said in a Nixle alert.

Bhalla said the Hoboken Police and Fire Departments would get the tests starting the day before.

In the past, people with symptoms have waited several days for results.

"These new, rapid tests are a game-changer for Hoboken, as those tested will have less uncertainty regarding their own health, ensure our first responders aren’t out of work while waiting for results, and will allow for more efficient investigations into close contacts," Bhalla wrote.

Call 201-420-5621 to schedule a test, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. If your insurance does not cover it, the city will pay for the cost.

As of Sunday afternoon, there were 4,202 deaths in New Jersey from coronavirus, up from 3,518 on Thursday. There were more than 11,000 deaths in New York City.

Bhalla said Thursday that Riverside has tested 203 Hoboken residents for COVID-19, with 58 positive results, 115 negative, and 30 pending.

(However, various officials have said the test has a significant rate of false negatives, especially if people are tested too early or too late.)

Bhalla also said that those already tested may still be waiting for results. The current tests were processed at a private laboratory off-site in Elmwood Park through BioReference Lab. To get results, visit https://bioreference.com/patient-portal and click on “test results." Create a free account with your information, and you can view your results as soon as they’re posted.

Donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Bhalla said donations of personal protective equipment for emergency responders can be dropped off at City Hall (94 Washington St., Newark Street entrance) in the basement conference room with our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Also, the city's Office of Constituent Affairs is partnering with Hoboken Girl Scout Troop 12022 to hold a fabric mask drive for individuals experiencing homelessness in Hoboken. If you are interested in sewing masks for this project, label your package “GIRL SCOUTS” and drop it off at the Hoboken CERT Headquarters, located at Hoboken City Hall (94 Washington St., Newark Street entrance). These masks will be brought to the Hoboken Shelter.

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Experts say that the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is more lethal and much harder to treat than the flu. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that include the common cold as well as much more serious diseases.

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was on Jan. 21.

Got a news tip or just want to reach out? Email caren.lissner@patch.com.