CVS drive-thru tests for virus
Hope to greatly expand reach
The nation’s first CVS drive-thru coronavirus test sites will open in nine locations in Massachusetts beginning today, the company announced Thursday morning.
It’s all part of a commitment to open 1,000 drivethru testing stops nationwide in the coming weeks and process 1.5 million tests per month, CVS Health added in a release sent to the Herald.
The Massachusetts CVS locations set to open first include: Bridgewater, Carver, Charlton, Danvers, Northhampton, Raynham, Westport, West Springfield and Worcester.
The sites will use selfswab tests and will require advance registration for those who meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, in addition to age guidelines.
The announcement, said Gov. Charlie Baker, puts Massachusetts at the front of the pack with per-capita testing — a key to opening up the economy.
“We are grateful to CVS for their partnership on this major additional testing expansion at a number of sites across the commonwealth, especially because we recognize the importance of continued and accessible testing as we move toward a responsible, phased reopening of our economy,” Baker said.
CVS said those who qualify must stay in their cars and will be “directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window where they will be provided with a test kit and given instructions.” A pharmacy worker will observe to make sure the test is done correctly.
Each test will be sent to an “independent, third-party lab” for processing and the results will be available in about three days.
CVS is already doing drive-up testing, but this program is the beginning of an expanded program, one the company vowed to roll out during a recent White House Coronavirus Task Force meeting.
“This new approach allows us to utilize our presence in communities across the country and bring testing closer to home,” said Larry J. Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Health.
The nine test sites in Massachusetts are part of the first rollout of new sites, which includes 51 locations in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.