New Ambulatory COVID-19 Testing Site Opens at Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare - Chelsea

May 20, 2020 – Editor's Note: BID HealthCare-Chelsea is now testing asymptomatic patients who have been in close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19.

Chelsea, MA – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, expanded its ambulatory COVID-19 testing locations today with the addition of a site at Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare-Chelsea. This site will be supporting all patients, including those who are uninsured, by performing COVID-19 ambulatory testing. Appointments are preferred, but not required. The site, located at 1000 Broadway in Chelsea, will offer testing in both English and Spanish.

"Our communities in Chelsea and Revere have by far the highest rates of infection in the state of Massachusetts," said Jose Abrego, MD, an internist at BID-Chelsea and Medical Director of BID-Chelsea's ambulatory testing site. "There are many reasons why these communities are seeing such high rates of infection — mainly due to their high-density populations where overcrowded housing makes isolation difficult. By expanding testing for COVID-19, we hope to get a more accurate assessment of the health crisis in these communities. We can then identify those at highest risk of complications early while partnering with city and state officials to help decrease the likelihood of spreading the virus."

Both drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing is available onsite. If you have a physician order, you may schedule an appointment. Due to long wait times, appointments are preferred. If you do not have a physician order, you may walk in for a test. To schedule an appointment in advance, please call the Chelsea COVID-19 line at 617-975-6262.

"Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has been proud to be part of the Chelsea community for more than 25 years," said Pete Healy, president of BIDMC, which opened Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare-Chelsea in 1995. "In our collective battle against COVID-19, there is an urgent need for expanded testing and care in Chelsea. In strong collaboration with Governor Baker and his team, the City of Chelsea and with other hospitals, we stand ready to meet the needs of this community."

BIDMC urges everyone to follow public health recommendations for social distancing in order to limit the spread of the virus and ease mounting pressure on the health care system.

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts Department of Health website. Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).