Self-Test Kits Are Available at Multiple Town Buildings While Supplies Last
BRIDGEWATER — Town Manager Michael Dutton and Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Michael MacDermott are pleased to share that at-home COVID-19 test kits are available to Bridgewater residents.
The town has received a shipment of 8,460 iHealth Labs over the counter (OTC) at-home rapid antigen COVID-19 self-test kits from the state. The kits have two tests in each box.
Any Bridgewater resident is able to receive the self-test kits. The kits will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis while supplies last. Residents will need to provide the name of the person the kit will be administered to and the contact information for that person.
Test kits cannot be reserved ahead of time, and residents must walk in to one of the locations to request the kits.
Beginning today, Monday, Dec. 20, the town is distributing the tests through the fire department, senior center and library during their respective business hours:
- Fire Department
- Headquarters, 22 School St.: Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Station 2 (Prattown), 774 Plymouth St.: Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Senior Center, 10 Wally Krueger Way: Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. – noon
- Library, 15 South St.: Monday – Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The fire department will also distribute a limited number of kits to specific group homes and homebound residents, including to the Heritage & Hemlock, Stone Meadow and High Pond Estates housing communities for residents only.
The tests can be completed in 15 minutes without the need to send a sample to a laboratory. Mobile phones or computers are not needed for any part of the test. Individuals 2 years of age and older can use the tests regardless of vaccination status or whether or not they have symptoms.
If the result is positive, the test-taker should follow the guidelines for a positive case by isolating for at least 10 days and informing all close contacts (those individuals who have been within 6 feet of you for more than 15 minutes in a 24-hour period).
For complete guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on what to do if you test positive, click here.
COVID-19 rapid tests are one of many measures, along with receiving a vaccine, wearing masks indoors and social distancing to help reduce the risks of spreading COVID-19. Residents can also purchase rapid test kits on their own as needed by visiting local pharmacies or ordering online.
The Town of Bridgewater is one of 102 municipalities to receive test kits from the state.
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