Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment Announces Scheduling and Location Changes Re Free COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinics
MEDIA ALERT
Information from:
Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment
October 29, 2021 (Barnstable, MA) – Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment will continue to provide free COVID-19 PCR Testing through the end of October and over the holidays, with some changes to testing dates, times, and locations.
Weekly drive-through testing will continue to take place at the East Gate (off 151 near Ashumet Road) of the Barnstable County Fairgrounds, predominantly on Thursdays with some exceptions due to Veteran’s Day (11/8) and Thanksgiving (11/25).
Upcoming testing clinic dates and times for the fairgrounds are as follows:
- Thursday, November 4, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Monday, November 8, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Thursday, November 18, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Monday, November 22, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Thursday, December 2, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Testing will no longer be offered on Sunday afternoons at the fairgrounds site.
The last clinic date for the Eastham Police Department testing site was Tuesday, October 26th. Weekly testing will resume at the Orleans Department of Public Works, located at 40 Giddiah Hill Road in Orleans, on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM starting November 2nd.
Anyone who is interested in taking advantage of Barnstable County’s free testing clinics can register online at www.barnstablecountyhealth.org. The public is urged to check the site regularly for scheduling changes due to the upcoming holidays.
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 3 to 5 days after exposure. Therefore, it is recommended that testing take place on day four following a suspected exposure.
Results will be available within 24-48 hours, depending on the volume of tests being submitted for PCR 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.org and walk-ins are welcome. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are offered to anyone 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.
