Where To Get A COVID-19 Test In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — The surge in coronavirus cases in recent days has brought with it a surge in the number of people seeking tests for COVID-19, which have become more difficult to get with the increased demand.

Ocean County has had nearly 4,500 new coronavirus infections, the highest numbers since the start of the pandemic, according to the Ocean County Health Department. From Dec. 18 to Thursday, Lacey saw 94 new cases.

The United States has faced a shortage of tests, with the more contagious omicron variant spreading and many getting tested to prepare for the holidays. President Joe Biden pledged Monday to ease the test shortage. The administration's steps will include using the Defense Production Act to increase production of at-home tests, but the president said federal efforts haven't gone far enough.

"Seeing how tough it was for some folks to get a test this weekend shows that we have more work to do," Biden said on a call with his administration's COVID-19 response team and a group of governors.

The New Jersey Department of Health also recently began offering free, at-home COVID-19 saliva test kits. UPS will ship the kit with next-day delivery, and a health care professional will virtually walk patients through the tests and answer questions. Find more info here.

Here's what to know about Lacey’s local testing centers, according to the New Jersey Department of Health's COVID-19 test finder:

CVS Pharmacy

• 700 North Main Street, Lanoka Harbor
• Rapid Testing Available
• Non-Rapid Testing Results in 1-2 Days
• Appointment Required, Screening Required
• (609) 242-6823

CityMD Urgent Care- Lanoka Harbor Urgent Care Clinic

• 539 Route 9, Lanoka Harbor
• Antibody Testing is available
• (609) 488-6626

Quest Diagnostics

• 800 Lacey Rd, Forked River
• Non-Rapid Testing Results in 1-3 Days
• Appointment Required, Screening Required
• Antibody Testing is also available
• (609) 242-4040

Hackensack Meridian Urgent Care- Forked River Urgent Care Clinic

• 701 Route 9, Forked River
• Non-Rapid Testing Results in 2 Days
• Appointment Required, Screening Required
• Testing Available for All Ages
• Antibody Testing is also available
• (609) 250-4110

Walgreens 15649

• 500 Route 530, Whiting, NJ
• Free Diagnostic Testing (Third-party Verified)
• Rapid Testing Results in 24 Hours
• Non-Rapid Testing Results in 2 Days Screening Required
• Testing Available for Children 3+ Years Old

Rite Aid #10507

• 101 SOUTH MAIN STREET, FORKED RIVER
• Free Diagnostic Testing (Third-party Verified)
• Non-Rapid Testing Results in 1-5 Days
• Appointment Required, Screening Required
• Testing Available for Children 4+ Years Old
• (609) 242-0066

For more testing information, visit New Jersey's COVID-19 test finder.

The New Jersey Department of Health advises people to verify requirements and hours with a testing site before visiting. Many sites require appointments, and some require proof of residence in New Jersey or within a specific county or municipality.

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.