Monmouth Officials: Don't Get Tested Unless You Have Symptoms

HOLMDEL, NJ — Sure, the free testing site at PNC Bank is close by, and it'll open Monday. But should you go?

With the news that the state's second free coronavirus test site will open at 8 a.m. sharp Monday at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, your local Monmouth County elected officials have a message: Please don't go there unless you have serious symptoms of the virus.

“The priority at this point is the very sick, and I’m sorry to say that the sniffles won’t cut it here. We want to prevent the sorts of lines we saw (Friday) at Bergen’s testing site and we want to avoid the use of precious resources — testing kits, personal protective equipment and human resources,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon.

There were reportedly more than 1,000 cars waiting in line when the Paramus testing site opened at Bergen Community College.

Who shouldn't come? People who feel slightly sick, or those who simply want to confirm they don't have the virus. These are the exact kind of people who don't need to be tested. Worse, they will tie up the facility and resources, as well as use a limited number of test kits. The test for coronavirus is a nasal swab far up the nose; it's not said to be pleasant.

The North Jersey site at Bergen Community College had tested 600 people before 2 p.m. Friday. News articles showed a line three miles long prior to its 8 a.m. opening.

“The lines are likely to be huge, and we have to make sure that the folks we are testing are those that really need it," he continued. "If you have to exaggerate your symptoms to qualify, don’t do that!”

You may even be turned away if you don't qualify for a test, he warned, even if you waited hours in line.

“With the typical flu and allergy season among us, we need to ensure that people who suspect they have allergies or a cold are not attempting to be tested when our supplies are currently limited," said Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso. "We understand that people are concerned but we need to prioritize resources, and that includes the limited number of healthcare workers we have."

In order to be tested at PNC residents would need to present a valid NJ ID and be showing respiratory symptoms and fever.

Like the Paramus site, the PNC Bank test center will likely be open seven days per week, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In order to be eligible for testing, individuals must be current New Jersey residents and experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness. Priority will be given to symptomatic individuals experiencing cough, fever (99.6F or above) and shortness of breath.

Individuals who are not symptomatic will not be tested, as it diverts critical resources such as testing kits and laboratory materials from those who are ill.

Testing is free and will be covered by the federal government or personal insurance company. Individuals are encouraged to bring insurance cards if they have one.

“We understand the heavy amount of stress and concern everyone is under,” said Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger. “But we ask that residents please refrain from visiting the PNC testing site unless they have symptoms and/or have been exposed to COVID-19 in some way."

All three are Republicans who represent Monmouth County in the NJ state Legislature.