Atlantic County is a big step closer to getting a testing site for residents with coronavirus symptoms.The administration submitted their plan for a site in the parking lot behind the Hamilton Mall on Wednesday, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson told BreakingAC.The state still has to approve the site. Levinson said he wasn't sure of the turnaround time for that.The county has been able to get about 600 tests to start and the necessary personal protective equipment, Levinson said. They are currently working on staffing.The administration reached out to Atlantic Cape Community College and Stockton University and will even take nursing students to work the planned site."People are clammoring for a test site, and we'll acooommate them," Levinsons aid.The county is working in conjunction with AtlantiCare and Shore Medical Center, Atlantic County Freeholder Chairman Frank Formica said.He gave credit to Levinson, along with county Administrator Gerald Delrosso, Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond,Emergency Manager Vince Jones and Public Safety Director Michael Fedorko."We've been working on it for quite a time," Levinson said, adding that Gov. Phil Murphy "pretty much said every county had to fend for itself."Levinson said the county would be willing to partner with another county, if asked.If not, the cost will all go to the county -- and the site will be for those residents only.In order to be tested, a resident would first have to go to their primary care physician, who would determine if they meet the criteria for testing. A prescription is then written and an appointment would have to be made.Levinson didn't have a full cost for the testing site, but said the tests themselves are about $50 per kit.
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