Where To Find COVID Rapid, At-Home Tests: Mendham Mayor

MENDHAM, NJ — How to find COVID testing and information about quarantine periods have been concerns among many of New Jersey’s residents.

In her most recent Mayor’s Message, Mendham Township Mayor Sarah Neibart provided some answers to questions residents may have about both.

Neibart reported on Christmas Eve that positive COVID case counts that prior week “were the highest since January 2021."

It’s been recommended that anyone who has been exposed as a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID, she said, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, should get tested, with more than 100 test sites throughout New Jersey.

For test locations throughout the state, visit www.covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing.

BinaxNOW rapid tests, which are available at many local pharmacies, can additionally be ordered online at www.cvs.com, Neibart added.

She also pointed residents in the direction of free at-home tests. New Jersey Department of Health and Vault are offering saliva tests that are shipped next day, with results available within 48 hours after arriving to the lab. These can be ordered at https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nj/.

Neibart additionally shared some updates about quarantining, with the latest recommendations from New Jersey's Department of Health and the CDC.

• The CDC and Department of Health have updated recommendations for the public and school settings “to increase compliance in reporting and quarantine."
• The recommendations have shorter timeframes for students and staff, with quarantining ending after day seven, if a negative COVID test was performed between days five and seven of quarantine; or after 10 days if testing wasn’t performed.
• The quarantine period recommended after being in close contact with someone who has tested positive is 14 days.
• Shorter periods are a suggested option if no COVID-19 symptoms develop.
• If there are symptoms, a person should continue to quarantine, contact their local health department or healthcare provider, then get tested.
• Unvaccinated people who test negative after five to seven days, can end their quarantine after day seven; or after day 10, if they didn’t take a COVID test.

Click here to read Neibart’s full update.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a local news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.