Anyone who works on a farm can be tested for COVID-19 for free on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Big E in West Springfield as long as they’ve made an appointment, which are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Appointments can be made by calling Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) at 413-551-2640 or the Pioneer Valley Workers Center at 413-351-2300 by Tuesday.
According to a CISA press release, when people arrive at the testing site, they must be in a vehicle. One form of identification is required, which must, at a minimum, have their name on it (such as a driver’s license, work ID, library card or a bill, such as utility or phone). At the testing site, each person being tested will be given information on how to access their results online or on the phone.
CISA has arranged this day, and previous free testing opportunities, with the support of state Sen. Jo Comerford, state Rep. Natalie Blais and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.
“We have many farms in my district and want to ensure everyone who works on the farms is safe,” Blais said. “Making sure that farm employees have access to testing is one piece of this puzzle.”
“Farmers and farm employees have been designated as working in an essential part of our economy during this pandemic,” Comerford said. “This is a small step in acknowledging their importance and helping to ensure their safety.”
“People who work on farms are essential and we rely on them every day to put food on our families’ tables,” CISA Executive Director Philip Korman agreed. “They deserve access to testing, which is just one small step toward keeping everyone healthy and safe for the sake of their families and ours.”
CISA and the Pioneer Valley Workers Center will also provide a list of other sites in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties that offer testing on a regular basis.