12/17/2021
By Paulette Renault Caragianes
Free rapid COVID-19 tests will be distributed to Lowell residents on Saturday.
Residents may take two test kits, each of which contains two rapid tests, according to an announcement by the city.
Kits will be distributed from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 18, at three locations:
- Department of Public Works, 1365 Middlesex St. (near South Campus)
- Robinson Middle School, 110 June St. (Centralville)
- Senior Center, 276 Broadway St. (Acre)
Proof of Lowell residency — a government-issued ID or current utility bill — is required.
The over-the-counter antigen tests can be administered to anyone age 2 and older, regardless of vaccine status, without need to visit a pharmacy or laboratory.
No computer or phone is necessary. Results are returned in 15 minutes.
The state is distributing a total of 2.1 million iHealth Labs tests in 102 Massachusetts communities, according to the Baker administration.
Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders urges those who test positive using the rapid tests to quarantine for 10 days, following guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition, all eligible Massachusetts residents 18 and older can receive a free COVID-19 test.
Use the state’s COVID-19 Test Finder for a location.