Barnstable County is now operating two free COVID-19 testing sites
MEDIA ALERT
Information from Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment
Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment Opens a Second Free COVID-19 Testing Site on the Outer Cape
September 16, 2021 (Barnstable, MA) – On Tuesday, September 14th, Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment opened a second free COVID-19 testing clinic at the Eastham Police Department.
In-person PCR testing will continue to take place on Tuesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Eastham Police Department located at 2550 State Highway (Route 6). Participants are instructed to follow signs to the police station’s rear parking lot and park in the area designated for testing participants. Clinic staff will then provide instructions on how to access the testing facility.
The Eastham testing site is one of two free testing sites operated by the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. Drive-through testing is offered at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds’ East Gate off Route 151 in Falmouth on Thursdays and Sundays from 4 PM to 6 PM. Both clinics provide PCR testing and are run and staffed primarily by Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers.
Anyone who is interested in getting a free COVID-19 test at either site can make an appointment online at www.barnstablecountyhealth.org.
Anyone who suspects they have been exposed to COVID-19 is urged to pursue testing. It’s important to note that the Delta variant, which is believed to be the predominant variant of COVID-19 in our region, typically tests positive between three to five days after exposure. Therefore, it is recommended that testing take place on day 4 following a suspected exposure.
Results will be available within 24-48 hours depending on the volume of tests being submitted for analysis. Participants who receive a negative result will be notified via email. Participants who receive a positive result will be notified via phone by one of our nurses. Questions regarding testing or test results may be directed to our COVID-19 testing line at 774-330-3002.
As a reminder, Barnstable County also holds weekly vaccine clinics on Thursdays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the Harborview Conference Room at the Barnstable County Complex in Barnstable Village. The clinics are free and open to everyone. Appointments can be made in advance at www.barnstablecountyhealth.organd walk-ins are welcome. Pfizer vaccine is offered to anyone 12+ while Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines are available for those who are 18+.
Identification and insurance are not required for vaccination. Other vaccination locations can be found at https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DERPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT Established under a Special Act of the Legislature in 1926, the Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment (BCDHE) provides regional public health and environmental health services throughout the 15 towns comprising Barnstable County. The Department manages several environmental, public health, and homeland security grants funded through state and federal resources. The Department’s primary mission is to protect public health and the environment and promote the physical and mental health and well-being of Barnstable County residents.
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