By Beth David, Editor
The Acushnet Fire Department and emergency officials tested 157 people for COVID-19 at a free testing event on Saturday, 10/10/20.
Fire Chief Kevin Gallagher said he was “pleasantly surprised by the turnout.”
About 30 cars were in line before testing even began. The weather in the 60’s with a bit of a breeze probably helped the turnout.
The procedure only took about a minute once the paperwork was filled out. Acushnet received 1,000 tests, so they will probably hold another event at some point.
Michael Gonet said he did not feel sick, but thought getting a test was a good thing to do. He works at an Arcade in Taunton.
The even was for Acushnet residents, who did not need a reason to seek the testing.
“Thank you also to the Acushnet Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Council on Aging (COA) and our Firefighters, EMTs and Police Officers who staffed the event,” wrote Chief Gallagher on the department’s Facebook page. “It may take a village to raise a child but it takes a community to beat Covid!”
Several people piped up on Facebook to say the event was a good thing and a good experience.
“I think it went well,” wrote Yvonne Allen, who added that she was “anxious” about the test.
“This was a 1 on a scale from 1 to 10 for discomfort,” wrote Ms. Allen. “Glad I did it. It’s worth the peace of mind, especially since we’re expecting a grandson any day now.”
“Great job and very well organized!” wrote Darlene Farrell. “Thank you everyone involved for offering this opportunity to the residents of Acushnet!”
“This was very well organized and quick,” wrote Judi Castle. “Thank all of you who participated. Thank you Town of Acushnet. I love Acushnet.”
“Great job! Couldn’t have been easier!” wrote Phyllis Daniels.
“Excellent job team! Acushnet cares about there people!” wrote Elizabeth Leaver.
Results of the tests are available now. Visit https://www.accureference. com to get your results. Or call Accu Reference Medical Lab, 908-474-1004.
- Acushnet officials are all set up to receive residents for COVID testing in the parking lot between the elementary and middle schools on Saturday, 10/10/20, when 30 cars showed up before the testing even began, and ended with 157 residents being tested. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
- Acushnet officials are all set up to receive residents for COVID testing in the parking lot between the elementary and middle schools on Saturday, 10/10/20, when 30 cars showed up before the testing even began, and ended with 157 residents being tested. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
- Frances Gwozdz gets swabbed for her COVID-19 test during the free COVID testing event held in Acushnet between the elementary and middle schools on Saturday, 10/10/20. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
- Michael Gonet gets swabbed by Kaylee Desroches during the free COVID testing event held in Acushnet between the elementary and middle schools on Saturday, 10/10/20. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
- Giselle Crowell gets swabbed for her COVID-19 test during the free COVID testing event held in Acushnet between the elementary and middle schools on Saturday, 10/10/20. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
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