Newark Ramps Up Coronavirus Testing In ‘Hardest Hit’ Areas

NEWARK, NJ — Newark officials have been ramping up testing for the new coronavirus, and plan to expand even further in the areas of the city hardest hit by COVID-19.

On Wednesday, Newark public safety officials announced that three more coronavirus testing sites will open, two of which are located in the North Ward.

“We’re getting ready to go aggressively at our senior homes and the long-term health care facilities first, because seniors are the most vulnerable,” Mayor Ras Baraka said earlier this week, adding that the city will focus its efforts on “areas that are hit the hardest.”

City officials recently launched a coronavirus section on the municipal website, which includes a breakdown of infection numbers by gender, race and ward. As of Wednesday, there have been 5,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newark, with 392 deaths connected to the disease.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

This week’s testing marks the start of a push to test every resident living in a Newark Housing Authority (NHA) property, beginning with senior citizens.

Testing began on Tuesday for residents at the James C. White Manor senior building, a 206-unit high-rise owned by the NHA in the Central Ward.

Testing will begin on Thursday for residents of the Branch Brook Manor senior facility, a 200-unit subsidized building also owned by the NHA.

A testing site for the public will open soon at the Branch Brook Park skating rink. Days and times will be announced, city officials said.

NHA Executive Director Victor Cirilo said the next round of senior testing will be for residents at the North Ward’s Stephen Crane Elderly complex on Saturday. Information of upcoming NHA testing sites will soon be posted on www.newarkha.org and in individual buildings.

Cirilo said the testing is covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance. The tests are nasal swabs, and will be processed by Sunrise Diagnostic Laboratories of South Plainfield, with results returned in 24 hours.

Also partnering with the city are Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey and philanthropist Ray Chambers.

• See related article: Doctor Wants Answers From Newark Nursing Home After Uncle Dies
• See related article: Coronavirus Hitting NJ Minority, Immigrant Communities Hard

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