Even though the Cape never got a state-sponsored Stop the Spread COVID-19 testing site, there are multiple local sites where asymptomatic people can get free testing.
(Note that insurance often pays for testing for people who have symptoms or who have been exposed to the novel coronavirus.)
Whole Health Pharmacy
The independently owned pharmacy at 596 W. Main St., Hyannis has been providing free PCR testing through a partnership with the federal government since May.
About two weeks ago, Whole Health doubled the number of test slots available on test days from 60 to 120, creating more opportunity for people to get same-day or next-day testing, said pharmacist/owner Karryn Lewis.
Cape Cod Times
Barnstable County officials announced Friday evening that they will hold clean up vaccination clinics Tuesday and Thursday in Orleans to accommodate all the people in phase one now cleared to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced this week that all groups in phase one - including home health workers and non-COVID facing health care employees are now eligible to be vaccinated.
In response the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment said eligible residents can now register for the “Phase 1 Clean-up” vaccination clinic to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday at the Orleans Department of Public Works at 40 Giddiah Hill Road.
Cape Cod Times
The barnlike marketplace building that houses commercial vendors during the Barnstable County Fair will have a new life as a coronavirus testing site as early as next week.
An additional site is opening up at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis next week, to be followed by expanded test sites operated by Outer Cape Health Services at its offices in Wellfleet and Provincetown.
While the new sites offer expanded molecular PCR tests for COVID-19, the tests won’t be free for all, state legislators said Tuesday morning.
“It’s not a Stop the Spread site,” state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, said during a press teleconference Tuesday morning.