By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Greenfield, MA) The Greenfield Health Department is urging residents to continue testing for COVID-19 as the fall approaches and brings with it the back to school season and more indoor activities.
“We have plenty of at-home rapid tests available at the Health Department and we are fortunate to have a PCR testing site at Greenfield Community College,” said Health Director Jennifer Hoffman. “Based on wastewater testing, COVID activity remains quite high in Greenfield and the GCC site is still processing about 40 tests a day.”
The current data from the Franklin County wastewater testing is showing an increase in the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the month of August.
“Though PCR testing remains the gold standard in determining whether you have COVID, at-home antigen testing is an important step if you believe you have been exposed to the virus or you are showing symptoms,” said Greenfield City Epidemiologist Jack Sullivan. “We are urging people, especially parents of school-age children, to report the results of at-home tests, either by calling the school nurse or the Health Department.”
Positive tests can be reported to school nurses or to the Health Department by calling 413-772-1404.
The federal government will be suspending its distribution of the free at-home testing kits after September 2nd. Those who have not taken advantage of the service can order the free test kits by this Friday through https://www.covid.gov/tests.
Test kits are also available through the Health Department by calling the number listed above. In addition to at-home tests, PCR testing is available Greenfield Community College East Building at 1 college Drive on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with the exception of Labor Day, September 5th. You can make an appointment for testing ate GCC through this website. The Greenfield Health Department is also offering free antigen testing at 20 Sanderson Street on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.