MARBLEHEAD — A long line of cars waited outside Temple Emanu-El, waiting to get a free COVID-19 test Friday morning. Operational issues slowed the process for those who had pre-registered. Due to an issue with the number of testers available at the site, many were left waiting in long lines when they previously believed they had an appointment, and there were some who left Friday without receiving their scheduled test.
“We are pleased to offer testing to residents in Marblehead in partnership with Cataldo/Atlantic Ambulance,” said Marblehead Town Administrator Jason Silva. “Unfortunately we were unable to get through the entire list of residents who had pre-registered to get tested (Friday).There were unanticipated challenges operationally, namely less testing staff available than anticipated, which was the main contributor. We apologize to all those residents who had registered and were unable to get tested and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve upon our first day of testing.”has partnered with Cataldo/Atlantic Ambulan
The town of Marblehead is offering free COVID-19 drive-through testing for Marblehead residents only. The testing, at Temple Emanu-El at 393 Atlantic Ave., will take place over the course of four days and will continue up to the Christmas holiday.
All residents who wish to get tested must pre-register. If residents are not pre-registered they will be turned away from the testing site. The town is requiring pre-registration to keep the wait times as manageable as possible. Unfortunately, even the pre-registration process hit a snag on Friday morning.
“Anybody who was registered for (Friday’s) testing and was not tested will be allowed to participate in our upcoming testing days taking place on the 15th, 18th and 21st,” Silva said. “All residents registered for other testing days are assured they will get tested on those dates as well.”
Cataldo/Atlantic Ambulance is also reaching out individually to anybody registered who was unable to get tested Friday to make special accommodations if necessary.
The rest of the COVID-19 testing schedule is as follows:
– Tuesday, December 15 from 8 a.m. to noon.
– Friday, December 18 from 8 a.m. to noon.
– Monday, December 21 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There is a capacity limit of 300 tests per day, and residents can register by visiting www.marblehead.org. As Marblehead’s COVID-19 case count continues to increase, the town has coordinated these testing dates before the Christmas holiday to help stop the spread of the virus.
The town encourages all residents this holiday season to remain vigilant — maintain social distance, avoid social gatherings, wear face coverings, and wash and sanitize your hands regularly.
Stay up-to-date on the registration process by visiting marblehead.org. The town will make regular updates in real time as information becomes available.
Mike Alongi can be reached at [email protected].