SAUGUS — One day after the state once again declared it to be a red zone for COVID-19, Saugus will extend its free testing sites through Oct. 31 in partnership with the state for its Stop the Spread initiative, aimed at helping mitigate the spread of the virus in high-risk communities.
As part of the initiative, the town has also partnered with AFC Urgent Care, Fallon Emergency Medical services (EMS), and Square One Mall in a collaborative effort to downgrade Saugus’ newly-designated high-risk status by establishing multiple testing sites throughout the community.
AFC Urgent Care, located at 371 Broadway, is currently offering free testing by appointment only on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while Fallon EMS at the Square One Mall will continue to offer free mobile drive-up testing for Saugus residents in their cars Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is needed.
“We need to do whatever is necessary to keep ourselves, family, neighbors, and communities safe,” said Town Manager Scott Crabtree. “Please continue to wear your masks, wash hands, avoid gatherings, and continue to follow the CDC and MDPH guidelines.”
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the town of 698 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the community on Wednesday. According to the Saugus Health department, this includes 41 deaths.
Early last month, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a new metric for tracking the virus’ spread locally, displaying the number of cases detected on average each day over the previous two weeks in each community within the state. More than eight cases per 100,000 translates to high risk, between four and eight cases per 100,000 is classified as moderate risk, and less than four cases per 100,000 is considered low risk.
Cities and towns with the highest risk levels have been shaded red on the state’s COVID-19 map. Saugus was previously declared to be a high-risk zone on Aug. 12 before slipping back into the moderate-risk zone the following week.
More information about the testing sites is available on the town website, and the state website: mass.gov.
Residents can register for an appointment at AFC Urgent Care online at afcurgentcaresaugus.com, or call (781) 233-1000 for more information.
Visitors to Fallon EMS testing can register on-site using a tablet when they arrive. All samples go directly to the Broad Institution in Cambridge for immediate testing with a 24- to 36-hour turnaround time. Notification of negative results will be made via email, while phone calls will be made for positive COVID-19 results.
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at [email protected].