2 New Coronavirus Testing Sites Open on Cape Cod

FALMOUTH, MA — Officials with the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force announced the opening of two new coronavirus testing sites Monday.

Testing opened at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis and the Barnstable County Fairgrounds in Falmouth. The effort to add more testing sites comes as COVID-19 cases and positive test rates spike on the Cape. And despite the rise in cases, especially in Barnstable, Cape Cod towns are among the least-tested communities in the state.

To receive a test, residents must book an appointment in advance by calling the community testing line at 508-862-5595. Tests for asymptomatic people are available for $75 and are offered for free to individuals who confirm their inability to pay when they call to book an appointment.

For non-native English speakers, Spanish and Portuguese translation services will be available at both testing sites. Results are expected within 48 to 72 hours after testing at these sites.

• Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to Noon Saturdays and Sundays.
• Barnstable County Fairgrounds, Falmouth: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Additional information about testing, site hours, and scheduling is available at BarnstableCountyHealth.org.

Tests are self-administered PCR nasal swabs. The Hyannis Fire Department will be on-site at the Melody Tent in Hyannis to assist people with the collection of samples. Public health volunteers will be on site to assist at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds site in Falmouth.

Task force officials saod PCR swab tests are currently the most accurate testing method for detecting an active case of COVID-19, but people must continue taking steps to mitigate transmission risk even after receiving a negative test result.

Individuals arriving at test sites must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth, and are strongly encouraged to do so indoors and outdoors when interacting with others who are not in their household.

Instructions for symptomatic residents or those referred for testing by a contact tracer:

Those who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to contact their primary care physician for an initial screening. If individuals do not have a primary care physician, they must call the community testing line at 508-862-5595 to be screened by a Cape Cod Healthcare clinical provider by phone.

Afterwards, Cape Cod Healthcare will contact screened individuals to schedule an appointment for testing at a selected drive-through testing location. Payment will be processed through insurance for symptomatic individuals or those notified by a contact tracer of known exposure to another person with an active case of COVID-19.

Instructions for asymptomatic residents

For people who suspect that they may have had close contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus and have not been contacted by a contact tracer or for those who are taking additional steps to monitor their health, individuals pay an out-of-pocket fee of $75 to receive a test. No one will be denied a test in the event that they are unable to pay. Tests are $110 for those traveling from outside of Massachusetts and receiving this test to comply with state requirements upon return.