Framingham Reopens Walk-Up Coronavirus Testing Site

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Just days after it appeared to be closed for good, Framingham is reopening the walk-up free coronavirus testing site at the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) building downtown — but it will be for city residents only.

Last week, the state's Stop the Spread program opened a new drive-thru testing site on Framingham State University property at 484 Franklin St. But on Friday, the city's two other testing sites at SMOC and the TJX headquarters closed.

The new site along Franklin Street has capacity for about 1,000 tests per day. Testing appointment must be made through a web portal, potentially putting residents without internet access at a disadvantage. It's also not available to people who don't own cars.

The reopened SMOC site will be paid for with federal stimulus dollars, not the state's Stop the Spread program. The site will be open weekdays beginning Friday from noon to 4 p.m. with no appointment needed. Tests are free, but proof of residency may be required.

Both the SMOC and Franklin Street sites will be closed on Dec. 17 due to the snowstorm.