Salem Offers Residents More Free Rapid Tests As COVID-19 Cases Rise

SALEM, MA —Salem residents and those who work in the city can pick up additional free at-time rapid antigen tests at the Health Department through the end of May while supplies last.

The city is providing the tests as case counts continue their slow, two-month rise. As of Thursday, Salem's test positive rate over the previous 14 days among those taking a PCR test was 7.02 percent. The statewide test positive rate topped 5 percent on Thursday for the first time since February.

Tests are available at the Health Department at 98 Washington Street Mondays through Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While the state has closed the two "Stop the Spread" sites at Salem High School and St. Peter's Church, the Curative mobile PCR test site at Riley Plaza will continue to be available. This is a self-administered test with results emailed within 24 to 48 hours.

The Curative trailer is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Walk-up testing is allowed but those who would like an appointment can register for one here.

(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.)