Morris County COVID-19 Test Center Booking Over 800 Appointments Daily
Published on January 10, 2022
Center at County College of Morris Meeting Increased Demand
More than 800 people obtained free COVID-19 tests today in the first day of operations at the newly reopened Morris County Testing Center at the County College of Morris (CCM).
“It appears from the appointments already being made that we will be testing between 800 and 900 people each day for at least the coming week and beyond until we get past the peak of this surge in COVID-19 infections. However, the center is running smoothly with everyone being tested rather quickly upon arrival,” said Tayfun Selen, Director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
His remarks were made after he and other officials toured the facility, which is housed in the Student Center at CCM. Phlebotomists with LabQ Diagnostics are administering the tests, which involve LabQ PCR nasal-swabs. Patients were advised that the national demand for testing has inundated laboratories and delayed analysis, so results that usually may be available in 24-to-48 hours may take 72 hours or more.
Scott DiGiralomo, Director of the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, led several officials on a tour through the center, including Commissioner John Krickus, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Undersheriff Mark Spitzer and CCM Director of Public Safety Steve Ackerman.
Atlantic Health System and Saint Clare’s Health reported during a Friday conference call with county leadership and the mayors of Morris County that the center will help to reduce emergency room pressures brought on by people trying to be tested at hospitals. The medical centers also reported that most people needing hospitalization for COVID-19 had not receive a booster vaccination shot.
“Get your booster shot. That was the clear message from the Atlantic Health System when we had an update call on Friday. Less than 5 percent of the COVID patients they are seeing have received their booster shot, and almost always the boosted patients have underlying conditions and often are elderly. Atlantic Health System indicated they have ICU capacity available, but booster shots are the key,” said Commissioner Krickus.
The no-cost testing is available by appointment only. No one will be permitted to walk into the facility without an appointment, and appointments must be scheduled on-line through the Morris County COVID-19 Information website.
The center will be open seven days per week and appointments will be available between 7 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., except for a half hour between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Photos:
- Top Right: LabQ Diagnostics Phlebotomist Tiara McClain administered a test today to a young man.
- Top Left: Scott DiGiralomo, right, led the Jan. 10, 2022 tour of the newly opened testing facility. With him were (l-r) Sheriff James Gannon, Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Commissioner John Krickus. Pictured behind Director Selen is CCM Director of Public Safety Steve Ackerman.
- Center Right: A LabQ Diagnostics phlebotomist prepares another test.
- Bottom Left: Entrance to Morris County COVID-19 Testing Center at CCM.