SALEM — Salem is offering free COVID-19 PCR tests for residents beginning on Saturday, Jan. 1 and is hoping to continue this free testing on Saturdays for several weeks throughout the winter.
The testing, which is available through the Salem Coronavirus Awareness Network (SCAN) program, is by appointment only and will take place at the Mayor Jean Levesque Community Life Center at 401 Bridge St., from noon to 6 p.m.
“With the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases following the holidays, we wanted to ensure that every Salem resident who needed a test, whether for travel, work, school, or just peace of mind, was able to get a test,” said Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “The demand for testing is extremely high right now, so I encourage residents to be patient and only seek testing if they absolutely need it.”
To make an appointment, visit www.salem.com/scan.
Walk-ins will not be accepted at this site and proof of residency is required when registering for your appointment time, but no proof of citizenship or insurance is necessary to register or receive a test.
Residents are asked to arrive at their appointment no more than 30 minutes before their scheduled time, and to bring a copy of the appointment confirmation and proof of residency.
The entrance to the testing site is on the side of the building and masks are required to be worn over the mouth and nose when inside the building.
“Together we can help keep one another safe, reduce the likelihood of additional spread of the virus, and lessen the significant burden currently facing our hospitals and frontline healthcare workers,” Driscoll said.
SCAN tests are administered by trained EMTs from Cataldo Ambulance and are processed at the Broad Institute via RT-PCR.
Test results, whether positive or negative, are returned by email from CareEvolve within 24 to 48 hours.
As more dates and times become available, they will be added to the registration portal and will be announced at www.salem.com and on the city’s social-media channels.
If you do not receive a result in 48 hours, you can call 844-422-8253.
Salem residents can also continue to receive free COVID-19 testing at any of the Stop the Spread testing sites in Massachusetts, including the two sites at Salem High School and St. Peter’s Church, and the Curative site at Riley Plaza.
To find more details about these sites, visit www.salem.com/testing, and visit www.mass.gov/stopthespread to find testing sites outside of Salem.
