Walsh asks all Boston residents, employees to get tested for COVID-19

BOSTON — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has announced a new initiative called, “Get the Test Boston,” asking all city residents and employees to get tested for COVID-19.

[ 121 communities in MA now considered ‘high-risk’ zones for COVID-19 ]

As of Thursday, the COVID-19 positivity rate in Boston has jumped to 8.2% according to Mayor Walsh.

As part of the initiative, local businesses, including the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Bruins, Stop & Shop, and Wayfair, have committed to ensuring employees know how and when to get tested for COVID-19.

Walsh is asking other businesses and residents to make a pledge to get a COVID-19 test.

The mayor says city employees will be offered one paid hour every 14 days to get tested during their normal work hours. Workers will get their regular compensation for their time spent testing and they won’t have to use sick or personal time.

“Boston’s COVID-19 numbers are increasing, and our public health data is clear: we need more residents to get tested,” Walsh said. “We are entering a critical time in this pandemic, and everyone who does their part will save lives and make a difference.”

The City of Boston is encouraging all residents to consider getting tested for COVID-19, regardless of symptoms.

[ COVID-19 Test Site Locator ]

Residents should get tested if they:

· Are experiencing COVID symptoms, like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, among others

· Are at high risk for complications from COVID-19

· Have been in contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19

· Have traveled or been in large gatherings

There are more than 30 testing sites across the city. Free testing is also available at two mobile sites in Central Square in East Boston and Nubian Square in Roxbury.

You can find more information on the City of Boston’s new testing initiative here.

[ Coronavirus testing site opens at Boston’s Logan Airport ]

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