Coronavirus Testing Program Suspended In Burlington County

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Burlington County has suspended its coronavirus testing programs until further notice as demand drops and over-the-counter home test kits become more readily available, county officials announced.

The centers in Mount Laurel, Evesham, Florence and Pemberton have suspended their testing operations, and they are directing residents to other testing locations that are readily accessible, including the Federally Qualified Health Centers in Burlington City and Pemberton Township, where free testing is available to all adults and children regardless of whether they have health insurance.

By suspending its testing program, the county can focus more resources on its vaccination program and other in-demand programs, Burlington County Health Director Dr. Herb Conaway said.

“Burlington County was one of the first counties in New Jersey to launch a testing program. We believed it was critical at the time because testing then was extremely difficult to access,” Conaway said. “Sixteen months later, that is no longer the case. Conditions have changed and the utilization of our testing programs has declined significantly as testing has become easily available elsewhere. Because of this change, it’s best for us to put a pause on our testing program while we examine whether our personnel and resources can be better utilized elsewhere.”

The county has administered more than 40,000 tests since March 2020, when testing was initially very limited, according to officials. The program has included a home testing option, mobile pop-up testing clinics and then multiple fixed testing locations.

But use of the county’s testing program has dropped off significantly as vaccination rates increase and testing becomes more available at pharmacies, urgent care centers and health care facilities.

Last month, just 186 people were tested at the county’s sites, amounting to less than 8 a day. Residents looking for a testing site can search a New Jersey database of more than 400 locations at https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing#test-sites.

State and federal law requires health insurers to cover coronavirus testing with no out-of-pocket costs, and the Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers in Burlington City and Pemberton Township both offer free testing for residents without health coverage.

The two Federally Qualified Health Centers are located at 600 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road in Pemberton Township and at 651 High Street in Burlington City.

Although the program has been suspended, Conaway stressed it is still important to get tested for the coronavirus, particularly if you are showing symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus, and you are not vaccinated. The vaccine is also readily available, Conaway said.

“Testing is still important, and there are still dozens of testing options for those who require that service,” Conaway said. “But the most critical action anyone can take right now is to roll up your sleeve and get a COVID-19 shot. It’s the best way to protect yourself and everyone around you.”