Brookline's COVID-19 Testing Site Is Closed: Town

Brookline MA

04 March, 2021

8:59 PM

Description

BROOKLINE, MA — The town's COVID-19 testing site closed on March 4. "CARES Act funding used to operate the clinic has been depleted. Additionally, the number of tests given daily has dropped significantly in recent weeks," Town Manager Mel Kleckner and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett said in a joint statement. Clinic staff administered more than 9,700 tests and identified 385 positive cases since the Brookline Department of Public Health partnered with mPathy LLC in November to set up the testing site. The testing cite was for members of the community who showed COVID-19 symptoms or were identified as close contacts of positive cases. Originally it was to end in December, but that was extended for several months. "Testing has remained a vital resource throughout the pandemic, allowing us to have an accurate picture of the prevalence of the virus in our community and thus, how to prevent any further spread," Jett said, urging residents to continue to utilize area testing sites and take precautions like wearing a mask. Free testing is available through the state's Stop the Spread initiative. Here are some places to get a vaccine: Mass General Brigham Urgent Care, 1285 Beacon St., BrooklinePhysician One Urgent Care, 1210 Boylston St., Chestnut HillBIDMC, 1290 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill Brookline's designation remains at "green," indicating a "low risk" of COVID-19 spread in the community. According to state data released Feb. 25, the average daily incidence rate for the Town is 7.4 per 100,000 residents throughout a 14-day average.