Starting on Wednesday, September 30, The Town of Swampscott in partnership with Cataldo Ambulance will be offering free drive-thru COVID-19 testing for all Swampscott residents. Testing will take place on Wednesdays from 2:30-6:30pm and Fridays from 9:00am-1:00pm. Testing will be available throughout October with the possibility of being extended further.
Testing is open to residents of all ages and will take place at the First Congregational Church at 40 Monument Ave., across from Town Hall. To access the testing site, you will enter the driveway directly in front of the church from the Monument Ave. entrance. If there is a line of vehicles waiting for testing, please park in line, stay in your vehicle with your mask on, and someone will approach your vehicle to take your registration information prior to being tested. Cataldo Ambulance will take all necessary precautions to ensure testing is safe for residents and emergency personnel. The form of testing that will be performed is the less invasive nasal swab. Results will be returned within 24-48 hours.
“Based on the scientific evidence and the top public health experts, we know that testing and mask-wearing are the two most crucial tools we have to keep our community and one another safe from COVID-19.” Says Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. “With Swampscott students returning for in-person learning in October and the beautiful weather bringing people out and about, it’s crucial that we give everyone the opportunity to be tested. It’s safe, easy and convenient and I encourage Swampscott residents to take advantage of this free COVID-19 testing program.”
In addition to testing, Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald wants to remind everyone the importance and necessity of wearing masks. “Top public health experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have stated that face masks are ‘the most important, powerful public health tool we have’ to fight COVID-19. They strongly recommend everyone wear face masks, especially young people who continue to spike the curve of infections. Please wear your masks and get tested to help keep your family and our community safe.”
The Town will utilize CARES Act funding to pay for testing. For more information, please call (781) 595-4050.
