COVID-19 Testing Site Closes In Hoboken, After 60,000th Test

HOBOKEN, NJ — After administering 60,000 coronavirus tests to Hoboken residents and workers since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the city announced on Friday that it will close its unique outdoor testing site — the first in New Jersey.

The city will still be able to test residents at individual medical offices, and it's also running several COVID vaccine clinics.

During the confusing start of the coronavirus pandemic in March, 2020 — when testing was scarce and the virus was still little understood — the city of Hoboken teamed up with Riverside Medical Group to run the first public, rapid-testing location in New Jersey, an outdoor site at the city's northern border.

The site received enough media attention that it received requests for appointments from out-of-state travelers passing through the area. (The requests from non-residents were denied.) READ MORE: Year At Helm Of Hoboken Coronavirus Hotline: What Volunteers Saw

On Friday, Bhalla thanked Dr. Raj Brahmbhatt and the Riverside Medical Group team for their service through the pandemic, as well as the volunteer CERT team who handled calls for appointments.

“As one of the first public, rapid-testing sites in the region, Riverside made sure our residents had early and continued access to testing, which undoubtedly saved lives," Bhalla said. "While the closing of the testing center is bittersweet, it also demonstrates that we are making real progress in returning back to normal."

The city's coronavirus numbers began dropping late last month for the first time since fall, as the city increases vaccination programs. More than 94 percent of people over 65 in the city have now received at least one vaccination dose. READ MORE: Here Are The Percentages Of Hoboken Residents COVID Vaccinated, By Age Group

The city said that Hoboken residents can continue to get tested through Riverside with either a rapid or PCR COVID-19 test at all three Riverside locations in Hoboken. To schedule an appointment, residents should call the Riverside location they would like to get tested at:

• 232 Clinton St.: 201-876-3215
• 609 Washington St.: 201-706-8490
• 1111 Hudson St.: 201-942-9314

People 12 and over can get vaccinated at various city clinics, pharmacies, and medical offices, such as this clinic scheduled for Saturday.

"Thank you also to the Hoboken CERT team, Hoboken Office of Emergency Management, Hoboken Police Department and the Hoboken Health Department for playing a critical role in the Riverside operations," Bhalla said, "as well as Bijou Properties for providing their property to accommodate continued testing during the winter and spring.” READ MORE: Year At Helm Of Hoboken Coronavirus Hotline: What Volunteers Saw

"Hoboken CERT is incredibly proud of the role we played, providing information and helping register citizens and employees for COVID-19 testing through our call center," said Hoboken CERT Sgt. Jack Silbert. "It was an honor to work with Riverside Medical Group, who impressed us with their efficiency and quick response to any pressing cases we brought to their attention."

In addition to the COVID-19 testing, Riverside Medical Group has helped Hoboken vaccinate 4,300 residents and community members.

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