Gov. Murphy: NJ Begins Coronavirus Tests For Asymptomatic People

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday announced a major expansion of New Jersey's coronavirus detection program to allow people without symptoms to go for tests at two sites. Murphy also announced 1,985 new cases and 162 more deaths, further continuing a downward trend (you can watch the announcement here, below).

Murphy said during a news conference that the tests for people without symptoms are set to begin at Bergen Community College in Paramus and at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. The governor previously said New Jersey needed federal approval to allow those sites to expand testing.

Expanded testing will begin on Sunday at Bergen Community College at 8 a.m. and Monday at PNC Bank Arts Center at 8 a.m.

Murphy asked that asymptomatic residents should contact a health care provider to make sure "that they agree that you should be going to get a test."

Testing will be prioritized for health care personnel, first responders, people who live in "congregant living" and people who have been in contact with those who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, he said.

"Expanding access to testing is one of our key principles to getting New Jersey firmly back on the road to recovery," Murphy said, adding that New Jersey has 122 testing sites overall.

Rite Aid also announced that it is allowing three stores to test people without symptoms. They are:

• 60 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick
• 501 Clements Bridge Road, Barrington
• 31 Mule Road, Toms River

People can start asking their doctor about the new coronavirus saliva test, invented by Rutgers scientists and approved for at-home use. Read more: First At-Home Coronavirus Saliva Collection Test In NJ Approved

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center announced that those without COVID-19 symptoms can be tested as the center rolls out saliva testing. Read more: No COVID-19 Symptoms? No Problem; Bergen New Bridge Expands Tests

"We're in a much different place than we were two months ago or, frankly, even two to four weeks ago on testing," Murphy said.

Murphy said the Paramus and Holmdel site have not "maxed out" as of late, allowing New Jersey to expand the testing. He just cautioned people to be judicious because "we don't want the boat to be swamped."

"This is a chance for us to dip our toe," he saiud. "We want to try and see how it works for a few days."

The update comes as the number of cases rose to 135,454 and deaths to 8,952. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy also announced on Friday the first death of a child in the state because of coronavirus complications. Read more: First Child In NJ Dies Due To Coronavirus

Murphy also said he'd be "shocked" if New Jersey beaches weren't open soon. During his Friday news conference, however, Murphy warned that if the curve of cases, which has been on a downward trend, "turn against us there's no way can responsiblity take a step like opening beaches."Read more: Gov. Phil Murphy: NJ Beaches May Open Very Soon Amid Coronavirus

Watch Murphy here:

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