Bergen County has opened a free antigen nasal swab rapid COVID-19 testing site for county residents only.

The free test is available to all county residents regardless of health insurance status, but they must schedule through the online portal. 

  The site opens at 9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Bergen Community College in Paramus.  

These tests are available through a partnership between Bergen County and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.  

President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Deborah Visconi says even though much of the focus these days is on those getting the vaccines, testing is still extremely important.  

“You can get a vaccine and still not be sure if you’re carrying it in your nose or your respiratory tract so it’s vital to continue to wear face coverings, physically distance from others, wash your hands, even despite getting the vaccine,” says Visconi.

Visconi suggests people who leave their “bubble” should continue to be tested often.