Brookline Begins Distributing Rapid COVID-19 Tests From State

BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services started the process of distributing 18,700 rapid COVID-19 at-home tests to community members last week.

Brookline is one of 102 communities in Massachusetts to receive rapid tests through a new state program. The goal is for residents to use the tests to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

"These rapid tests could not come to us at a more critical time, as many in our community no doubt plan to gather for the holidays,” said Interim Health Commissioner Patrick Maloney in a statement. "We are working closely with our partners to distribute these tests to those in our community who will benefit the most."

"I am grateful to the Commonwealth for taking this step, which should help us more efficiently identify and isolate positive cases, keeping residents safe,” he continued.

Brookline DHHS and the town's Emergency Management Team will distribute tests to residents living in 400 Brookline Housing Authority apartments. Additional tests will be provided to housing authority staff to distribute to residents in need.

Tests will also be shared with the Council on Aging to distribute at the Senior Center. COA social workers will be given tests to share with seniors during home visits and tests will be provided to food pantries, select lodging homes with subsidized housing, and religious institutions.

Rapid tests are not available at the Brookline Public Health Building at this time.

In addition to providing access to rapid tests, Brookline is also working to coordinate booster clinics for residents and coordinate the arrival of the state’s VaxBus next month. More information about these efforts will be provided when it becomes available.