Bayonne has relocated its recently reopened COVID-19 testing site, according to Mayor James Davis. The site that reopened at Veterans Stadium on Dec. 23 has shifted to inside the Korpi Ice Rink behind Bayonne High School at 669 Avenue A as of Dec. 26.
The stadium has been intermittently used as a testing site, and is now closing down again with the vaccine distribution site in the ice rink serving as a testing site.
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, the larger test site is so more tests can be administered. The move follows long lines and a surge of people seeking to get tested during the holiday season as COVID-19 cases climb. Winter also played a factor, with Bespoke Health unable to operate the site in the extreme weather, being forced to temporarily shift to the ice rink, according to OEM.
Those seeking a test must walk in to the site using the doors at the back of the facility, including Door 42 and Door 43. Appointments were available, but due to the sheer demand for tests and the number of testers who have called out sick, appointments haven’t been able to be kept and testing is now on a first-come, first-serve basis.
According to OEM, the site will remain at the ice rink until Dec. 30 until an alternate site can be worked out. Meanwhile, the vaccine site at the ice rink will continue to offer vaccinations to those who are eligible.
The Moderna vaccines, including first, second, third, and booster doses are available at the ice rink on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pfizer vaccines, including first, second, third, and booster doses are available at the ice rink on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Other places to get tested
The new testing site will not have any effect on the current testing hours that take place at the Bayonne Community Museum at 229 Broadway on Thursdays from 1 to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, but register first at solvhealth.com/book-online/0rwaOA.
In addition to the new site at the ice rink, the city has released an updated list of businesses that offer COVID-19 testing in Bayonne.
Get tested at the Rite Aid Pharmacy at 1097 Broadway by making an appointment at riteaid.com/pharmacy/services/covid-19-testing. Drive-thru only. COVID-19 testing is available at the Walgreens at 1080 Broadway by making an appointment at walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing. Drive-thru only.
Get tested at Hudson DNA at 150 Pulaski by either walking in or making an appointment by calling 201-994-6594. Dittmars Pharmacy also offers walk-in COVID-19 testing, but it is best to call ahead at 201-339-0405.
Walk in to get a test at the following locations: CityMD; Total Care Pharmacy at 596 Broadway; Broadway Care Pharmacy 516 Broadway; Grace Lutheran Church at 836 Avenue C on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; St. Anthony’s Lab at 654 Avenue C; Jerry’s Drug and Surgical at 455 Broadway on Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Bayonne Pharmacy at 651 Broadway; Liberty Pharmacy at 265 Broadway; and Broadway Health at 974 Broadway.
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