Drive-thru COVID-19 testing at Somerville Hospital has begun

On March 18, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The new CHA stand-alone COVID-19 testing center at its Somerville Hospital location began its testing today. The new location opened at 9:00 a.m. today, March 18, at the Crown Street parking lot adjacent to Somerville Hospital. Due to continued limited availability of tests, only patients who meet federal criteria and are existing CHA primary care patients are eligible for testing at this location. Patients MUST CALL their primary care provider to be screened; tests will not be provided without prior authorization.

“Providing a stand-alone testing location supports multiple public health goals: increased ease of testing, limiting risk of incidental infection and preserving hospital resources for the most ill patients,” said Dr. Sayah, an emergency department physician.

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Cambridge Health Alliance CEO, Assaad Sayah, were on location at the opening of the drive-thru testing.
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The following outlines key information about the new resource:

- Testing will be conducted in a tent located at the Crown Street parking lot adjacent to Somerville Hospital, 33 Tower St.
- Testing is scheduled to begin on March 18 and will be provided seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- ONLY current CHA primary care patients can currently be tested at this location
- Patients MUST CALL their primary care provider to be screened; tests will not be provided without prior authorization
- CHA will be able to test authorized patients who arrive on foot
- Due to the continued limited supply of tests, only patients who meet federal CDC criteria will be eligible to receive testing

CHA will continue to monitor the situation and make changes as circumstances evolve. Patients and community members wanting more information about testing should visit www.challiance.org for updated information.The city and Somerville Public Schools will continue to post updates at www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus as more information becomes available. When appropriate, information will also be shared via city alerts. Sign up or check your subscriptions at www.somervillema.gov/Alerts. Sign up for every method you are able to receive: phone call, text, email.