COVID-19 testing site to open in Plainfield

PLAINFIELD — The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is opening a free COVID-19 testing clinic in the city beginning on Tuesday. The clinic will be administered by the firm Vault Health, the Union County Board of County Commissioners said.

"We continue to work with our partners at the New Jersey Department of Health to ensure that COVID-19 testing is available to everyone who needs a test," said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams. "We also continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated, as the most effective way to prevent serious illness, long term health impacts, or death from infection with this deadly virus."

Both rapid and PCR tests will be available at the Plainfield site, located at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center at 724 Park Ave.

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we've remained committed to providing the tools needed for our residents to fight back as effectively as possible," said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. "This testing site is one more resource for our residents and will augment the testing already taking place in various other parts of the city and alleviate the long lines and long wait times for results. During times of crisis, we must be flexible and utilize our assets. Using the Plainfield Performing Arts Center as a testing site is just one example of creatively finding solutions for our community and providing easy access to our residents. I continue to encourage our residents to get vaccinated and, if already vaccinated, get the booster. This is the most effective way of fighting the virus if you contract it. We are grateful for the partnership of The Union County Board of Commissioners, the New Jersey Department of Health, and Vault Health, whose collaboration made this possible."

Mental health:How Union County officials plan to address rising mental health issues

Is this omicron's peak?:NJ COVID hospitalizations decline for fourth day

The testing site will be open from 12: to 8 p.m. beginning Tuesday. It will continue 12 to 8 p.m. every weekday until further notice and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

The PCR test will be a saliva test, with results available in 24 to 48 hours. The rapid test will be a nasal test and results will be available in 15 minutes.

Online registration is required separately for each test. Visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/testing for links to the Vault Health registration system, and for information about all free COVID-19 testing services offered by Union County.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin.