Saugus Health Dept. announces distribution of at-home COVID-19 tests

(Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued this week by The Town of Saugus.)

  The Town of Saugus and the Saugus Health Department announced the receipt of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s allocation of at-home COVID-19 test kits. These kits will serve as a valuable additional tool in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 and bringing an end to the ongoing pandemic.

  These kits will be initially allocated to vulnerable populations – including seniors, severely immunocompromised residents and those in low-income housing – as well as places of worship and local food banks. It is hoped that the general public understands the need to allocate these resources to those with the greatest need first and also understands the very limited quantity that was given to the Town of Saugus by the Commonwealth based on income demographics. The Town of Saugus continues to encourage Saugus residents to continue to utilize programs – including the free Stop the Spread drive-through testing site at the Square One Mall, 1204 Broadway from 2-7 p.m., Monday through Saturday – for all testing needs.

  According to the Commonwealth, this program has been extended until March 31, 2022. The Stop the Spread testing site allows the Commonwealth and local communities to track and trace new positive cases. In addition, this also allows communities to reach out to help those families that are in need.

  After the first allocations are concluded, the Saugus Board of Health will make the remainder of tests available to the general public on a first come, first served basis while the Board’s limited supply lasts. All distribution will require registration with the Health Department in order to receive test kits. Please call 781-231-4117 to register to receive test kits (max one kit per household).

  “While, we at the Town of Saugus understand that the supply cannot meet the demand for these products, especially during the holiday season, we hope that the residents of Saugus will understand that the Town and the Health Department are doing everything in their power to provide a safe and healthy community as we continue to navigate the pandemic. Thank you.

  “For more information, please contact Saugus Director of Public Health John R. Fralick III at 781-231-4120 or 781-231-4177. Or you can email him at jfralick@saugus-ma.gov.”