For
Immediate Release:
July 21, 2020
Monmouth
County Freeholders announce kick-off of free COVID-19 testing program
ASBURY
PARK, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders held a press conference
to announce the kick-off of the County’s COVID-19 testing program, in
coordination with the Grunin Foundation, to offer free testing in densely
populated municipalities throughout the County at the Asbury Park
Transportation Center on Tuesday, July 21.
“The Board of Chosen Freeholders is committed to using its
resources to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and to assist our
municipalities in their efforts to identify local hot spots so that appropriate
mitigation may be implemented,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “That
is why we have committed up to $250,000 of CARES Act funding to the testing of
Monmouth County residents; we are grateful to the Grunin Foundation for
committing to match the County’s funding of up to $250,000.”
The Grunin Foundation works with businesses and nonprofits
to help provide inclusive access to arts, culture, education, healthcare and
economic opportunities.
“We are proud to partner with Monmouth County to provide testing
in six communities for residents in more densely populated, higher risk
neighborhoods. In order to continue making progress in recovering from this
global pandemic, we need more access to testing,” said Jeremy Grunin,
President, Grunin Foundation. “I’m confident that with the addition of these
centers and the increase in testing, we will also increase the health of our
community and economy.”
“It is so important for everyone to have access to free
COVID-19 testing, regardless of whether or not they have insurance. 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,” said Freeholder Director Arnone.
Testing sites will be located in
Asbury Park, Freehold Borough, Keansburg, Neptune, Long Branch and Red Bank over
the next four weeks. There
will be 100 tests available per day at each location and variable message
boards will be placed near the sites to notify residents if the sites run out
of tests before the posted hours are over.
“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.”
All residents who are tested must provide their
contact information to receive their test results. The Monmouth County Health
Department will conduct contact tracing for all residents who test positive.
The testing site locations, dates and hours of
operation will be posted on www.visitmonmouth.com.
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