Coronavirus Testing Expanded For Medford Residents

MEDFORD, MA – The Cambridge Health Alliance is expanding coronavirus testing to all Medford residents ages 8 and older, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced Saturday. As of Monday, June 1, residents will be able to receive the nasal swab test at CHA's test site in Malden, 195 Canal St., whether they are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Nasal swab tests will be offered at no cost to residents, regardless of insurance or immigration status, but appointments are necessary before visiting any of the CHA sites.

While anyone is eligible for testing, officials encourage anyone who was recently exposed to a COVID-positive person, who lives in a household with other people who are positive or feel that they may have been exposed, or received a recommendation from their primary care provider, to seek testing appointments immediately.

Those who have limited their contact with people and largely remained at home over the past several weeks have a low risk of exposure, and it is not recommended they get tested.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling 617-665-2928.

"As we continue to advocate to for expanded testing, I’m so thankful to CHA for partnering with us to offer yet another opportunity for Medford residents to receive COVID-19 testing, regardless of whether they are symptomatic," Lungo-Koehn said in a statement. "Access to testing and expanded contact tracing is so vitally important in helping us all better understand this disease and how we can hopefully continue to prevent future spread within our communities."

Testing results will be available approximately five days from the date of testing. Residents will be contacted by the Medford Board of Health with the results.

What You Need to Know Before Being Tested:

• Appointments are required. Medford residents should call 617-665-2928 to request an appointment. The Call Center is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• CHA patients with symptoms should call their primary care provider to schedule a test referral.
• Testing is provided to residents and CHA patients Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Testing will be conducted in a tent located at the CHA Malden Care Center (195 Canal Street).
• Testing is available both as a drive-through service and for bicyclists and anyone who arrives on foot.
• There is no charge to patients. You will be asked for insurance information, but it is not required.
• Please bring a picture ID.
• Results will be available within 5 days after you are tested.

This week, the City of Medford also announced a partnership with Armstrong Ambulance and Fallon Ambulance to offer on-site COVID-19 testing for residents of large residential senior buildings within the City.