SALEM — The city has received a shipment of iHealth Labs COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits, each containing two tests, to be distributed to key community agencies and partners, as well as the general public and businesses.
The city will prioritize high-risk and disproportionately-impacted populations during the distribution of this round of rapid tests.
This week, the test kits will be distributed to Salem Public Schools and Salem Academy Charter School for students and staff; to large multi-family housing sites, including Salem Heights, Loring Towers, Pequot Highlands, and Salem Housing Authority properties for tenants; to licensed childcare and day-care providers in the city; and to the Council on Aging staff for homebound and other high-risk senior residents.
Mayor Kimberley Driscoll strongly encourages residents to get these free, rapid tests if they are able, and to consider purchasing rapid tests to have at home if they are not able to use the free tests.
“Nearly 235,000 PCR tests have been administered to Salem residents since the start of this pandemic, and in the first round of rapid antigen test-kit distribution in December, we gave out tens of thousands of free tests,” said Driscoll. “Having the quick feedback from a rapid test makes it easier for residents and workers to protect themselves and their loved ones. Starting Saturday, many residents may be able to be fully reimbursed by their health insurance for rapid at-home tests.”
A distribution through the North Shore Community Health (NSCH) will also be used to serve clients at the Salem Pantry, Lifebridge, and tenants at North Shore CDC/Point neighborhood housing sites.
President of NSCH Maggie Brennan said NSCH is pleased to join Salem in this important public-health initiative.
“We urge all Salem residents to continue to keep our community safe by getting your COVID-19 vaccine and booster, which are proven to be very effective and lifesaving,” said Brennan. “Also, please continue masking, hand washing and social distancing to prevent this virus from spreading.”
The remaining test kits will be distributed by Health Department staff to any Salem resident who needs one.
The test kits will be distributed on Jan. 18, 19, 25, and 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at 401 Bridge St., and from 1 to 3 p.m. at 98 Washington St., and on Jan. 20 and 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at 401 Bridge St. and from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at 135 Lafayette St.
If all kits are distributed by any of these dates, the remaining distribution dates will be canceled until more test kits are received by the city.
Proof of Salem residency is required to receive the free test kits, but no proof of citizenship or insurance is necessary.
Each resident can take up to two test kits, for a total of four rapid tests.
“Salem has been a leader in responding to COVID-19, from innovative testing to public-health measures and from vaccination programs to volunteer, housing, food, and small-business support efforts,” said Driscoll. “This rapid-testing initiative is a continuation of that proactive, evidence-based, public-health-focused record.”
An informational flier with instructions about how to use these tests is available in multiple languages at https://www.mass.gov/lists/covid-19-self-test-at-home-instructions-graphic.
If an individual takes one of these tests and it is positive, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/what-to-do-if-you-have-or-have-been-exposed-to-covid-19 for further information about what steps to take.
