Following the state’s acquisition of 2.1 million iHealth Labs at-home, COVID-19 testing kits, Lynn, Peabody, and Saugus have started distributing these tests to residents.
Lynn, Peabody and Saugus are among the 102 municipalities receiving a supply of test kits from the state, and will distribute them to increase testing accessibility across the North Shore.
In Lynn, testing kits for city residents will be distributed at 4 p.m. in the Manning Field parking lot, starting on Dec. 23. Kits are given on a first-come-first-served basis. One kit will be given per person.
Proof of Lynn residency, such as a driver’s license, a Massachusetts ID, utility bill, health-insurance bill, cable bill or cellphone bill is required.
Samples do not go to a laboratory and are not reported to the public-health department. The tests can be used by those 2 years old and up, regardless of vaccination status or if they have symptoms.
In Saugus, tests are also given on a first-come-first-served basis, but vulnerable populations such as seniors, severely immunocompromised residents and those in low-income housing will receive priority in distribution.
Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree said that these groups received priority due to the limited amount of tests given by the state. For now, these are the only at-home tests the town will receive.
“We were given approximately 5,000 tests by the state,” Crabtree said. “I think for now, this is just a one-time gift from the state so it goes to the ones who need it the most right now.”
The town’s health department encourages those to use programs like the “Stop the Spread” drive-through testing site at the Square One Mall. The program has been extended until March 31, 2022.
The town received the tests last week and started distributing them over the weekend. The health department is partnering with local food groups to help deliver the kits to food banks and places of worship.
John R. Fralick III, the director of public health in Saugus, said that once the most at-risk residents are taken care of, other residents may be able to receive an at-home test. He warns, however, that due to the supply demand for these tests, the town may not be able to provide every resident with a kit.
“While we at the Town of Saugus understand that the supply cannot meet the demand for these products, especially during the holiday season,” said Fralick, “We hope that the residents of Saugus will understand that the town and health department are doing everything in their power to provide a safe and healthy community as we continue to navigate the pandemic.”
The City of Peabody received 8,910 testing kits from the state, which will be distributed to residents in need. Just like in Lynn and Saugus, tests in Peabody are free.
Peabody Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. said that the tests will be distributed in partnership with organizations including Citizens Inn, the Peabody Council on Aging and Peabody Housing Authority.
“With the holiday season upon us, the availability of free rapid testing gives residents yet another tool to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy,” said Bettencourt.
Testing kits will be limited in Peabody as well. Distribution will be first-come, first-served at City Hall and the three branches of the Peabody Institute Library starting on Dec. 20.
People who test positive should isolate for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status, and notify their close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
