City Of Waltham: Baker-Polito Administration Announces Updates To Stop The Spread Testing Program

Press release from City of Waltham:

March 5, 2022

Due to a significant decline in demand at state sponsored Stop the Spread testing sites and the wide availability of rapid antigen tests, the Baker-Polito Administration announced updates to the Stop the Spread (STS) testing program. As the Commonwealth continues to evolve in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stop the Spread testing program will downsize to 11 sites, effective April 1, 2022. Over the past two months, these sites have seen a rapid decline in volume across locations, with an 80% decrease in volume since the beginning of January.

As of April 1, 2022, 11 STS sites will continue to offer PCR testing. These tests will remain free to any Massachusetts resident, with no insurance or ID necessary.

• Everett
• Framingham
• Lawrence (2 locations)
• Lynn
• New Bedford
• Randolph
• Revere
• Springfield (2 locations)
• Worcester

The locations that will remain open were selected based on demonstrated need, volume of daily testing, and geographic equity. From January 20- February 16, 2022, these 11 sites accounted for nearly 72% of all Stop the Spread testing volume. These sites will continue through at least May 15, 2022.

There are over 450 locations across the Commonwealth for residents to get tested for COVID-19, and residents can visit www.mass.gov/gettested to find a location near them. Additionally, residents of the Commonwealth can access COVID-19 Rapid antigen at-home test kits from hundreds of locations including over-the-counter at local pharmacies, such as CVS or Walgreens, and through other retailers such as Amazon or Walmart. Tests may also be distributed through employers, municipal programs, school districts and other community partners. 

Due to a significant decline in demand at state sponsored Stop the Spread testing sites and the wide availability of rapid antigen tests, the Baker-Polito Administration announced updates to the Stop the Spread (STS) testing program. As the Commonwealth continues to evolve in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stop the Spread testing program will downsize to 11 sites, effective April 1, 2022. Over the past two months, these sites have seen a rapid decline in volume across locations, with an 80% decrease in volume since the beginning of January.

As of April 1, 2022, 11 STS sites will continue to offer PCR testing. These tests will remain free to any Massachusetts resident, with no insurance or ID necessary.

The locations that will remain open were selected based on demonstrated need, volume of daily testing, and geographic equity. From January 20- February 16, 2022, these 11 sites accounted for nearly 72% of all Stop the Spread testing volume. These sites will continue through at least May 15, 2022.

There are over 450 locations across the Commonwealth for residents to get tested for COVID-19, and residents can visit www.mass.gov/gettested to find a location near them. Additionally, residents of the Commonwealth can access COVID-19 Rapid antigen at-home test kits from hundreds of locations including over-the-counter at local pharmacies, such as CVS or Walgreens, and through other retailers such as Amazon or Walmart. Tests may also be distributed through employers, municipal programs, school districts and other community partners. 

This press release was produced by City of Waltham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.