free covid 19 testing available in MA no RX needed

[BethS]

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread

This testing program is intended primarily for residents of certain high risk areas, but is open to all MA residents. I'm posting this here because this info may be of use to some of us in making paddling or travel (or other!) plans. Stay safe everyone!

[Joseph Berkovitz]

It seems like a  much needed program, paddling interests aside. 

Does anyone know what kind of tests are being performed in this program and what the wait time is for results? If it’s not a PCR or IDNOW test then Maine will not accept it. 

If I learn the answer from them then I will post here. 

[prudenceb]

Everything I've read indicates that it is pcr testing and I don't think results will be any faster than they are at the other public testing sites run by city health departments.  Five days or more.

[Joseph Berkovitz]

For what it’s worth I just got my PCR result (negative, happily) from AFC Swampscott. It took 2 days (they had estimated it would take 4). 

[prudenceb]

1 hour ago, Joseph Berkovitz said:

For what it’s worth I just got my PCR result (negative, happily) from AFC Swampscott. It took 2 days (they had estimated it would take 4). 

Amazing.  That's the fastest I've heard anywhere - and that includes for people in the hospital where a covid rule out was high on list!

 

[Joseph Berkovitz]

It was $199. But I don't think one can count on the 2 days, so for planning purposes it may not help much.

[jason]

I have seen results in less than 36 hours in Maine....

[prudenceb]

I got a Covid test yesterday morning - one of the free PCR tests for Cambridge residents thru Cambridge Health Alliance.  24 hrs later, they called me with my - negative - test result,  I  was prepared to be waiting 4-5 days...even up to a week.  Negative result reassures me...and makes me feel better about all the paddles I've been on with many of you these pasts months.