Covid-19 Testing

As you probably have all heard, starting Saturday, August 1, visitors from outside of New England, New York, New Jersey and Hawaii will be required to quarantine for 14 days or pass a COVID-19 test, otherwise risking a $500 fine each day under an order issued by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Key words: pass a COVID-19 test. Yes, I say key words because as of right now it is exceedingly difficult to find a testing center that will provide a PCR swab. Governor Charlie Baker wisely instituted mandatory testing if you do not want to be in a 14-day quarantine, however; he did not expand the testing capabilities of said requirements.

So, what does this mean? It means a huge influx of people wanting to test with a more complex ability to get one. This also means that people who have symptoms may not have the capability to get a test and therefore will walk around with the virus unknowingly.

What do we do? Throw our hands up and surrender? We certainly do not have that luxury now. To assist in this process, I have compiled a list of testing sites local to Medfield. I suggest you call ahead to schedule an appointment; check wait times and inquire about cost.

· Norwood Urgent Care

1210 Providence Hwy, Norwood, MA 02062

PHONE: 781-255-0500

HOURS: 8:00am-7:00pm Mon-Fri / 8:00am-4:00pm Sat-Sun

· CVS Wrentham – Minute Clinic

652 South Street, Wrentham, MA 02093

PHONE: 774-378-6000

HOURS: 9:00am-9:00pm Mon-Fri / 8:00am-8:00pm Sat / 8:00am-6:00pm Sun

· MedPost Urgent Care of Franklin

648 Old West Central St C, Franklin, MA 02038

PHONE: 508-613-8101

HOURS: 8:00am-8:00pm Mon-Sun

· Convenient MD – Bellingham

245 Hartford Ave, Bellingham, MA 02019

PHONE: 774-295-4355

HOURS: 8:00am-8:00pm Mon-Sun

· Convenient MD – Plainville

86 Taunton St, Plainville, MA 02762

PHONE: 508-928-5211

HOURS: 8:00am-8:00pm Mon-Sun

For more detailed information please visit this website. https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/map-covid-19-testing-sites

Why is it so hard to get a test? Why do the results take so long? Why is it so expensive? How do we expect to get our kids back to school if we cannot even get the testing right? Believe me, all these questions swim through my head as well, we just need to stay the course.

This virus is winning in every sense of the word and we will not let that happen. We cannot.

While the government figures a way to make the tests more accessible to the public. We will continue to practice all the important things; washing hands, wearing masks, staying in if you are feeling sick, and practicing safe distancing.

If you feel so inclined, you can drop Governor Baker a quick note about your thoughts on increasing testing locations. https://www.mass.gov/forms/email-the-governors-office

In the end we will prevail, we do not have any other choice.

~This is my opinion and not that of the hospital I work for or the Board of Health I sit on~