Hoboken has started to use rapid COVID-19 tests at its Riverside Medical Center testing site.

Health experts tell News 12 New Jersey that the rapid tests will help slow the spread of the virus.

“We can give a patient their results right there on the spot and give them instructions on what to do next…instead of them having to wait two, three, four, even five or seven days,” says Dr. Raj Brahmbhatt.

The results come back within 15 minutes and can help infected individuals know what do to next.

“It impacts how they deal with their families at home, whether they have to isolate at home and follow up on any needed testing,” Brahmbhatt says.

 

The rapid tests will also help identify who can get back to work faster – especially for first responders and essential workers.

“If they’ve been infected, we quarantine anyone they’ve been in contact with, like other firefighters or other police officers. So, what we’ll be able to do now is test those people as well and if the test is negative, we can get them back on the streets,” says Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

The testing at Riverside Medical Center is for those who have symptoms and have an appointment. The city will pay for testing for those who do not have health insurance.