Norfolk County

Drive-through coronavirus testing center opens in Weymouth, will require an appointment

Weymouth coronavirus testing site Photo courtesy of Drew Panico

WEYMOUTH, Mass. — South Shore Health has opened a drive-through coronavirus testing center at Union Point in Weymouth, but patients must make an appointment to be tested at the facility.

The center is located at the South Shore Health parking area east of Shea Memorial Drive and north of Delahunt Parkway.

“The purpose of this alternative, drive through testing site will be to help reduce the exposure to COVID-19 at South Shore Hospital, our Emergency Department, medical centers, and other provider locations by conducting tests for the virus at this remote location,” said South Shore Health spokeswoman Susan Griffin.

Only patients who have been pre-screened and meet the state guidelines will be registered and given an appointment for the drive-through testing center, Griffin said.

Anyone who wants to be tested for coronavirus should contact their primary care provider first to ensure testing is appropriate and to reduce potential exposure for healthcare workers and patients.

“Local and state political leaders, public safety officials, and South Shore Hospital and their medical experts all maintain that this facility is necessary, can operate safely and will be a tremendous service to our community in a time of unprecedented need,” read a statement from the Southfield Redevelopment Authority (SRA), the local governing agency for Union Point.

The SRA also noted the area the testing center is located at is more than a quarter mile from the closest homes and “much father way from residential areas than many existing and planned drive-through collection sites throughout the country.”

“We thank all our patients and families for their understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our community during this challenging time,” Griffin said.


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