A new federal COVID-19 testing facility has opened in East Orange. It is the only one in the state and will administer about 1,000 tests per day.

Long lines formed outside the site early on New Year’s Day. The site officially opened at 7 a.m. It comes as demand for COVID-19 testing rises.

“It has been difficult. I mean I had to drive 40 miles from my home to get here, to get my testing,” says Jacob Jose, of Rahway.

The number of new cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey has quadrupled in two weeks. As of Friday, there were over 28,000 newly confirmed cases. And health professionals say that they expect the numbers to continue on this trajectory in the upcoming days.

The Evans family, of Hillside, gathered recently to celebrate the holidays. They have gathered once again at the East Orange site, under less joyous circumstances.

MORE:  COVID-19 testing, vaccinations to be offered at federal site in East Orange

“Figured we’d give a shot and come out here this morning and be tested. Happy New Year,” says Amanda Evans.

“I want to be negative, but I did a home test this morning and it was positive and I know they do the PCR here and I need to know,” says Shelia Evans.

Community leaders have been at the site to answer questions and concerns.

"I wouldn't say it's challenging. I think what we are looking to do is just understand - and we do understand the anxiety of people and the frustration from past experiences of having to stand on line, and so there is a lot of energy to be managed but we are definitely handling that,” says Dr. Monique Griffith, director of East Orange Department of Health and Human Services.

The testing site is scheduled to be open until Jan. 12 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. People are urged to register for a test ahead of time to cut down on the wait times.