Free COVID-19 Testing Comes To Freehold, Red Bank and More
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County residents living in densely populated neighborhoods will be able to receive free COVID-19 tests at select locations starting this month. The walk-in service is slated to begin under a program co-funded by the Monmouth County CARES Act and the Grunin Foundation.
Testing sites will be available in Asbury Park, Freehold Borough, Keansburg, Long Branch, Neptune and Red Bank over the next four weeks. 100 tests per day will be available at each location and message boards will be posted near testing sites to update residents on availability throughout the day.
“Timely and accurate tracking of known and suspected cases is an essential public health tool to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley. “Appointments are not necessary to be tested. Residents can walk up during open hours and a health professional will conduct the test, whether they are symptomatic or not, which consists of a nasal or oral swab.”
The Board of Chosen Freeholders discussed the new initiative at a July 21 press briefing at Asbury Park Transportation Center, touting the county's efforts to stop the spread of the virus. According to Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, up to $250,000 of CARES Act funding will be allocated to testing Monmouth County residents, a number which the Grunin Foundation has committed to match.
The Grunin Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to providing access to arts, culture, healthcare, education and economic opportunities, according to its website.
“It is so important for everyone to have access to free COVID-19 testing, regardless of whether or not they have insurance," said Arnone of the initiative. "While there have been testing locations throughout the County, they are not easily accessible to all of our communities, especially those communities where people travel mainly on foot."
Individuals who get tested are required to provide contact information to receive test results. Residents do not need to be symptomatic in order to get tested and no appointments will be necessary.
For site locations, dates and hours of operation, click here.
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This article originally appeared on the Freehold Patch
