Free Coronavirus Testing In Marlborough Begins Friday

MARLBOROUGH, MA — A new free coronavirus testing effort kicks off at select locations in Massachusetts on July 10, including at two sites in Marlborough.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced the new "Stop the Spread" testing effort on Wednesday. Marlborough was one of eight communities chosen across the state due to a high rate of coronavirus infections.

As of Thursday, there were only 17 active coronavirus cases in Marlborough, but the city had a 2.7 percent positive test rate. The statewide average is about 2 percent. The other cities chosen for the "Stop the Spread" effort include Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn and New Bedford.

During a press conference Thursday, Mayor Arthur Vigeant and Public Health Director John Garside said that Marlborough's above-average testing rate comes from a higher number of tests, and assisted living facilities in the city that are accepting COVID-19 patients.

Anyone can get a test, even people who are not showing symptoms. Free testing in Marlborough begins Friday morning at these locations:

Marlborough Hospital, 157 Union St. — Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to noon

AFC Urgent Care, 38 Boston Post Road West — Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.