Salem, MA – On December 15, 2021, the City of Salem received an allocation of iHealth Labs COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits. Each kit contains two tests. Those receiving a kit are strongly encouraged to take one of the tests before they gather or see friends and family during the holidays, and then take the second test before returning to work or gathering with others after the holidays.
“I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for these tests,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “Over 215,000 PCR tests have been administered to Salem residents since the start of this pandemic. However, having the flexibility and quick feedback from a rapid test will make it easier for residents to gather safely over the holidays, especially with the omicron variant imminent. I want to strongly encourage all eligible residents to get tested, to avail themselves of these free rapid tests if applicable, and to consider purchasing some rapid tests to have at home if they are not able to use these free tests. Lastly, we intend to make our own acquisition of a large quantity of additional rapid tests in the next few weeks, so this is just the first round of what will, I hope, be a continuing effort to provide free, rapid at-home tests to as many Salem households as possible. Salem has been a leader in responding to COVID-19, from innovative testing to public health measures and from vaccination programs to volunteer, housing, food, and small business support efforts. This rapid testing initiative will be a continuation of that pro-active, evidence-based, public health-focused record.”
After being notified earlier in the week about the forthcoming delivery of kits, the City developed a plan to distribute them in a manner that prioritizes high risk and disproportionately impacted populations. After surveying demand from agencies that serve these populations and larger housing sites, the following distributions are taking place this week:
- An allocation to the Salem Public Schools and Salem Academy Charter School for distribution to students and/or staff.
- An allocation to the Salem Pantry to distribute to residents visiting the pantry sites over the next two weeks.
- An allocation to large multi-family housing sites, including Salem Heights, Loring Towers, Salem Housing Authority, and North Shore Community Development Coalition properties, for tenants. Tenants in these sites will be contacted by the property manager or landlord with additional details about how to receive their test kit. Please do not contact the City.
- An allocation to early childcare workers who, as a function of their job, interact regularly with children age 0-4, who cannot yet be vaccinated.
- Allocations to Lifebridge, for use at the day center and in their supportive housing sites, and the Salem YMCA for childcare staff.
The City will distribute the remaining test kits to any Salem resident who needs one. Test kits will be distributed by Health Department staff on Monday December 20th, Tuesday December 21st, and Wednesday December 22nd at City Hall Annex, 98 Washington Street, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and then from the Community Life Center, 401 Bridge Street, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Only one kit will be distributed to each household.
- Proof of Salem residency is required to receive a free test kit. No proof of citizenship or insurance is necessary.
- In the event additional test kits remain after this general distribution, the City may schedule a second distribution day and, potentially, allow households to pick up a second test kit. In that event, another announcement will be made.
Attached is an informational flier with instructions about how to use these tests. This flier is also available in multiple languages at https://www.mass.gov/lists/covid-19-self-test-at-home-instructions-graphic.
If an individual takes one of these tests and the result is positive, please see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/what-to-do-if-you-have-or-have-been-exposed-to-covid-19 for further information about what steps to take.
This testing opportunity is in addition to the existing free PCR testing options located at sites across Salem. For more information about COVID-19 testing in Salem and the options available to residents, visit www.salem.com/testing. To find out more about COVID-19 in Salem, including links to information about vaccinations and other resources, please visit www.salem.com/covid.
