If I Can Take This COVID-19 Test, Anyone Can

We talked on the air this morning about how Governor Charlie Baker is encouraging anyone that participated in a protest – or was a part of any large crowd – to take a COVID-19 test.  Massachusetts residents that have been in a large crowd over the past several weeks are invited to take the test without cost to the patient. It doesn't matter whether or not residents are experiencing symptoms; the tests are still at no cost for today and tomorrow.

Given the fact that Gazelle and I both attended Black Lives Matter protests in New Bedford over the past couple of weeks, we decided that it might be a good idea to take advantage of the free testing offer.

I'm not going to lie, I was a little hesitant to get the test. I've seen those pictures of New York Governor Mario Cuomo getting the COVID-19 test. It didn't look fun. In fact, it looked terrible. Coupled with some other terrifying diagrams that show how deep the swab goes up your nose, it's enough to give anyone pause.

I'm here to tell you that the test I took this morning at the CVS on Ashley Boulevard in New Bedford was not the same. The test that I took was self-administered. A nurse practitioner stood in the pharmacy window and patiently offered instructions on how to take the test while I was behind the wheel of my car.

The whole process took roughly five to seven minutes to do. It really wasn't that bad. It was much, much easier than I had anticipated. I'd place the level of discomfort at a 3 out of 10.

Bottom line? If I can do it, you can do it. If you are a Massachusetts resident, I'd suggest taking advantage of the free test today and tomorrow.

I'll get the results in two to four days.