10,000 COVID-19 Tests Provided Through South Shore Health, Weymouth Partnership

The Town of Weymouth reached a notable milestone Thursday when it provided its 10,000th COVID-19 test to to resident Jill Reddish. This week also marks the testing program’s 3rd month of operations. Mayor Hedlund, in partnership with South Shore Health, launched the program in late December, 2020.

“We knew establishing Weymouth’s own COVID testing site was the appropriate use of the Town’s CARES Act and FEMA support funds. The fact that the effort turned into such a smooth and successful undertaking is a testament to our great partnership with South Shore Health and the tremendous work by all involved, most especially South Shore Health’s onsite health professionals and onsite and call center staffs.  They made this milestone possible and I thank each of them.” said Mayor Robert Hedlund.

The Director of South Shore Health’s Emergency Medical Services, Eugene Duffy, says the partnership with the town has been very beneficial.

“Testing is a tremendously important aspect of managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ongoing support of Weymouth’s program is essential to tracking the continued impact of the disease.”

The tests are free to Town of Weymouth employees and residents through the federal funding. The drive-through testing site is located at Weymouth High School.

Surveillance testing has been an integral part of the town’s ongoing COVID-19 prevention efforts, according to Interim Coordinator of Health Services Elaine Lane. “This site has allowed for prompt testing and follow up quarantine efforts when needed for staff, students, and the community. The site has proved to be a fantastic resource for the entire school community,” Lane said.

“I have personally utilized the surveillance testing site,” School Superintendent Kathleen Smith said. “Our district has benefited greatly from the collaboration between the town of Weymouth and South Shore Health. The safety and accessibility of the site, combined with its prompt results continues to be a tremendous asset for the school community.”

The testing site has also been critical in the management of the police department during the pandemic. “As we all know public safety is 24 hour, seven days a week operation and we cannot close," said Chief Richard Fuller. “Surveillance testing has allowed us to quickly identify any officer that was Covid-19 positive and get them into quarantine. The testing site has also provided us with an expedient way to get officers who have had COVID-19 symptoms or exposure tested, limiting the spread of the virus within the police department.”

“Surveillance testing, made available for Weymouth Fire personnel, was instrumental in maintaining operational readiness during the pandemic,” Weymouth Fire Chief Keith Stark added.

Residents may contact the town’s COVID-19 testing hotline at 781-682-3880 for additional information on how to make an appointment.