Somerville Distributes Free At-Home Rapid COVID-19 Testing Kits to Vulnerable Residents with Barriers to Accessing Testing

The City of Somerville received 16,650 free at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits from the state that are being distributed via various channels to Somerville residents who have limited access to testing, limited means to purchase at-home tests, and are at high risk of exposure. 

The City has completed distribution of the kits to the Somerville Public Schools, Prospect Hill Academy, community non-profits, the Somerville Housing Authority and additional subsidized housing, and City departments that serve residents with barriers to access including income, language, mobility, internet access, and others. A limited number of tests were also made available via the Somerville Public Libraries to qualifying residents and those supplies are now depleted. The Biden administration has promised to begin distribution of more at-home test kits as early as January. 

Individuals facing the above-mentioned barriers to accessing a COVID-19 at-home test should contact 311 (617-666-3311) to learn how to receive a test kit from a community provider or social service/direct service staff. Please note that supplies are limited and may be depleted quickly. Multilingual support is available.

State and City testing sites are still operational. Visit mass.gov/GetTested or somervillema.gov/COVIDTesting for more information about getting tested for COVID-19 at home or at a local testing site. 

Residents who are able to do so are encouraged to purchase at-home tests in local pharmacies or online. News reports indicate that supplies are limited. Do however note that free at-home PCR COVID-19 tests are available through the state for individuals who have symptoms, have been recommended to receive testing, have been exposed to COVID-19, or live or work in congregate settings. 

For more information and regular COVID-19 updates, visit www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus and sign up for City alerts at www.somervillema.gov/Alerts. Community members are encouraged to sign up for every alert method: phone call, text, email. Also follow FB.com/SomervilleCity and @SomervilleCity.