Somerville Launches Free COVID Testing Sites in East Somerville

SOMERVILLE WEATHER

Please remember to dress warmly!

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne today announced new COVID-19 testing sites in East Somerville to expand access to free tests for Somerville residents and workers.

First, in partnership with local healthcare company LCG Boston, the City is opening a walk-through testing site at the Igreja Internacional da Graça de Deus (International Church of the Grace of God) at 78 Franklin St. in East Somerville (view map image). This location will be able to administer and process 500 PCR tests each day it’s open, vastly expanding upon the City’s current testing capacity of 200 tests per week. The site will open Saturday, January 15, and provide three days of testing weekly for approximately four weeks as demand warrants.

Second, a pop-up testing site for Somerville residents will be held on Saturday, January 15, at Connexion, 149 Broadway, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Appointments are required. This site is for residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who have a known exposure to COVID-19. Residents can schedule a test online at somervillema.gov/covidtesting or by calling 311 (617-666-3311).

At the start of each day, one hour of Senior+ Access will be reserved for seniors age 65 and older, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable persons facing barriers to access.

“My first priority as Mayor is to fight this surge of COVID-19, and in order to do so effectively, we have to expand testing in a strategic, meaningful way,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “That means adding capacity while removing barriers and centering resources on those most adversely impacted by the virus in our response. I’m grateful to our partners at LCG Boston and the Igreja Internacional da Graça de Deus for supporting this critical resource for our community.”

On Saturday, January 15, hours will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the general public. Senior+ Hour will run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For future hours, see below and please also see the weekly schedules at somervillema.gov/covidtesting or call 311 (617-666-3311).

Testing at this location is open to Somerville residents and workers of all ages who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or who are a confirmed close contact of someone with COVID-19. Testing is free, regardless of health insurance or immigration status. Appointments are not required. Limited on-street parking is available on Washington Street, and MBTA bus routes 86, 91, and CT2 stop nearby. The church is located at 78 Franklin St, and the testing area is outdoors in the rear parking behind the building.

Persons seeking tests for travel should check mass.gov/GetTested for other options. Persons who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 should not PCR test for 90 days and should therefore not use this site. PCR tests can show positive results for several months after symptoms have subsided. Rapid antigen self-tests are more appropriate for checking for return to work or to normal activities. 

“There is tremendous demand for testing right now, and we are fortunate that we were able to secure these resources and that so many in our community are willing to seek testing to help control the spread of COVID-19. But that also means we need to ask for everyone’s patience. Holding walk-in testing helps ensure the broadest and most equitable access, but there may be lines. Please come prepared with something to occupy you, warm clothes, and your patience in tow,” said Somerville Director of Emergency Management Justin Kates. 

Hours for Walk-In Covid Testing at ICGG Church Enter from the rear parking lot at 72 Franklin Street (across from Glen Park). Note: it's Franklin Street NOT Franklin Avenue. The church faces Washington St. but the entrance for testing is around the corner on Franklin Street about two blocks from their 85 Washington Street address.

• Saturday 1/15
  • 10 to 11 a.m.: Senior+ Hour
  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: All  
• Friday 1/21
  • 1 to 2 p.m.: Senior+ Hour
  •  2 to 7 p.m.: All
• Saturday 1/22
  • 10 to 11 a.m.: Senior+ Hour
  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: All  
• Thursday 1/27
  • 1 to 2 p.m.: Senior+ Hour
  • 2 to 7 p.m.: All
• Friday 1/28
  •  1 to 2 p.m.: Senior+ Hour
  • 2 to 7 p.m.: All
• Saturday 1/29
  • 10 to 11 a.m.: Senior+ Hour
  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: All 
• Hours after 1/29 will be posted to somervillema.gov/covidtesting or available via 311.

For information on additional testing options in the region, visit somervillema.gov/covidtesting or call 311 (617-666-3311). 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.