Beverly, Peabody, Salem To Get MA's Free Coronavirus Rapid Tests

PEABODY, MA — Beverly, Peabody and Salem officials will each receive a share of the 2.1 million free rapid coronavirus at-home tests that Gov. Charlie Baker said on Monday will be distributed to 102 cities and towns across the state over the next few days.

Baker said the state will be providing the tests free to 102 "high-need communities across the Commonwealth." Baker said those communities will be allowed to then choose the manner they believe best to get them out to residents ahead of holiday gatherings.

Most of the 102 cities and towns on the list represent cities and rural communities where vaccination rates remain lower than many suburban communities and have what the state called "the highest proportion of families at or below the poverty level."

"While each city or town will be able to determine how best to distribute tests within their community municipalities are asked to prioritize those most in need, allocating equitably and at locations accessible to individuals and families who are determined to be in high need and as quickly as possible during the holiday season," Gov. Baker's office said in a statement.

(READ: 2M At-Home COVID Tests Coming To Hardest-Hit MA Towns)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance last week on when it is best to administer the rapid tests.

"We are very glad to have another tool to help our residents protect themselves and their loved ones against COVID as we head into the holiday season," Peabody Health Director Sharon Cameron told Patch. "We always urge people to get tested if they've had a known exposure or if they are experiencing symptoms of any kind.

"We are also encouraging people to get tested before they gather for their holiday celebrations, even if they are without symptoms and even if they've been vaccinated."

Cameron told Patch the city is working on a plan to distribute its allocation of the free tests and will be notifying residents of those plans when they are finalized.

Beyond the free state tests, Baker said the state is negotiating with manufacturers of the tests to determine a fixed price at which all Massachusetts cities and towns would then be able to buy tests using their federal coronavirus aid.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)