HOLYOKE — Area residents now have two locations in Holyoke where they can get tested for COVID-19 for free, without a referral from a doctor and even if they aren’t experiencing symptoms.
One of the testing sites is located at Holyoke Community College, where people can be tested Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A second site was recently opened at Holyoke Veterans’ Services in the parking lot across from 310 Appleton St. Testing hours at that site are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.
The sites are part of the state’s “Stop the Spread” strategic testing program, which is focused on communities that continue to see higher numbers of positive tests for COVID-19. In western Massachusetts, those communities include Holyoke, Agawam and Springfield.
No appointment is needed to get a test, which is administered with a less-invasive swab in the lower nostril, according to City Hall.
“Turnaround time for results is typically four days or fewer,” Mike Bloomberg, the mayor’s chief of staff, said in an email. “If you are acutely symptomatic, particularly if you have a high fever, consider scheduling a test with your primary care physician.”
Dusty Christensen can be reached at dchristensen@gazettenet.com.