Outer Cape Gets New COVID-19 Testing Site

EASTHAM, MA — Barnstable County health officials opened a new COVID-19 testing site on the Outer Cape.

The new site opened Tuesday at the Eastham Police Department at 2550 State Highway. Health care professionals at the station will offer free PCR testing from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Participants should follow signs to the police station’s rear parking lot and park in the area designated for testing participants. Clinic staff will then provide instructions on how to access the testing facility.

The Eastham testing site is one of two free testing sites operated by the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. Drive-through testing is offered at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds' east gate off Route 151 in Falmouth from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays and Sundays. Both clinics provide PCR testing and are run and staffed primarily by Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps volunteers.

Anyone who is interested in getting a free COVID-19 test at either site can make an appointment online here.

Anyone who suspects they have been exposed to COVID-19 is urged to get tested. The delta variant, which is believed to be the predominant on Cape Cod, typically tests positive between three and five days after exposure. Health officials recommend testing take place on day four, following a suspected exposure.

Results will be available within 24-48 hours, depending on the volume of tests being submitted for analysis. Participants who receive a negative result will be notified via email. Participants who receive a positive result will be notified via phone by a Barnstable County nurse.

Questions regarding testing or test results may be directed to the county's COVID-19 testing line at 774-330-3002.

Barnstable County also holds weekly vaccine clinics from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Thursdays at the Harborview Conference Room at the Barnstable County Complex in Barnstable Village. The clinics are free and open to everyone. Appointments can be made in advance here. Walk-ins are welcome.

Pfizer vaccine is offered to anyone 12 and older, while Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines are available for those who are 18 and older.

Identification and insurance are not required for vaccination. Other vaccination locations can be found through the state Vaxfinder tool.