Cambridge To Offer Free Coronavirus Tests In The Port, CHA

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Mobile testing will begin in The Port neighborhood Tuesday, May 19, and in all Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) senior buildings on Wednesday, May 20.

“As part of our efforts to support our residents, this expanded testing capacity will allow the City to reach more of our most vulnerable populations and provide a convenient testing option in one of the most impacted neighborhoods in the community,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis DePasquale in a joint statement.

The City of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are funding the initiative and the Cambridge Public Health Department is coordinating the event. This is one of multiple efforts by the city. Previously it's provided three rounds of rapid testing in all seven skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, as well as in a number of homeless shelters throughout the city. Cambridge was among the first municipalities to work with the Broad Institute and to implement a rapid testing pilot program.

“The more testing that we can conduct in our City, the more information we will have to better understand the infection rate at a given point in time and continue to mitigate the spread of COVID1-19,” said Chief Public Health Officer Claude Jacob. “Testing in The Port and in senior housing is critical given data that indicate higher infection rates among people of color and seniors.”

Pro EMS is conducting the free testing in The Port at the Pisani Center for residents of The Port and all other Cambridge residents and individuals who are homeless and those who live in congregate settings such as single room occupancy facilities and sober houses. Testing is voluntary.

Details from the city on the voluntary, free testing:

For residents of The Port: Testing at the Pisani Center will be by appointment only and run from 12-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, Thursday, May 21, and Saturday, May 23, as well as Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of next week (May 26, 28, and 30). Appointments can be made by phone at 617-665-3795 or online: https://covid-test.appointlet.com/s/cambridge.

For those experiencing homelessness and who live in congregate settings: Testing at the Pisani Center will be by appointment only and run from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, Thursday, May 21, and Saturday, May 23, as well as Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of next week (May 26, 28, and 30). Appointments will be scheduled by Cambridge service providers, who support and work with those who may be experiencing homelessness or live in congregate settings.

Testing in Cambridge Housing Authority senior housing:

• Wednesday, May 20, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at 15 Lambert Street
• Thursday, May 21, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at 5 Temple Street, 7 Temple Street, and 55 Essex Street (contingent upon completion of testing 15 Lambert Street).

Residents were alerted that testing at CHA senior housing sites would begin this week, and appointments are not necessary at these locations.

Cambridge Public Health Department will call residents with their results.

The initiative is a collaboration with the Broad Institute, the Cambridge Fire Department, Pro EMS, and other city partners.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, visit: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19