Bayonne ceases PCR testing due to delays, will offer rapid testing

Bayonne is ceasing the use of PCR testing for COVID-19, citing massive delays in test results.

Many have been seeking testing as the virus continues to spread amid the holiday season, in part worsened by the Omicron variant. As of Dec. 30, there were “hundreds” of active cases according to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, but did not specify the exact number. This is an increase from the 222 cases as of Dec. 16. Additionally, as of Dec. 30, 133 residents have passed away from the virus.

“Across the nation, COVID-19 testing labs are having problems providing PCR test results in a timely fashion,” Mayor James Davis said. “In Bayonne, we have people who tested just prior to and just after Christmas who have still not received their PCR test results. This is unacceptable. Every lab in this area is currently faced with staffing issues and they simply cannot process the tests that continue to be sent to them daily.”

Amid the increased demand for COVID-19 testing, the city set up another testing site at Veterans Stadium which quickly shifted to the Korpi Ice Rink behind Bayonne High School at 669 Avenue A. Testing was first offered on an appointment basis, but shifted to first-come, first-serve because of the high demand.

Due to the nature of the long waits for tests results, Davis said that the city is now shifting to rapid testing.

“As of right now and for the foreseeable future, PCR testing is not a viable option,” Davis said. “We need to pivot immediately and take a different approach to testing so that our citizens can be properly prepared, informed, and protected. To that end, the city of Bayonne is no longer going to offer PCR testing. Instead, we are going to move to Rapid testing. We are cancelling PCR testing at the Korpi Ice Rink effective immediately.” 

There will be no testing of any kind on Jan. 5. Rapid testing will be offered at the Korpi Ice Rink from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 6, Jan. 7, and Jan. 8. However, the number of tests will be limited to only 500 each day.

“We have a limited number of rapid tests available, however, so we are forced to limit the number of tests we can offer to 500 per day,” Davis said. “Additionally, much like we did when we first started testing and vaccines, all rapid testing will be done by appointment only and we ask that you only schedule a test if you are symptomatic or if you know you have had a direct exposure to someone who has a confirmed COVID-19 test result.”

Appointments can be made by calling 201-537-4818 or going online to bespokehealthco.com.

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