Coronavirus testing site for first responders set up at Big E

April 15, 2020 | Sarah Heinonen
sarah@thereminder.com

A COVID–19 testing site for first responders has been set up on the Big E Fairgrounds.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Until recently, firefighters and police who had been exposed to COVID-19 had to travel to Foxborough to be tested for the novel coronavirus. With the opening of a second test site on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield, first responders in the four Western Massachusetts counties have a place to go that is closer to home.

In its first day open, 70 individuals were tested at the site. Director of Public Safety Cliff Hedges said he anticipates that number to go up and said that they have the capacity to test 250 first responders each day.

On April 11, Gov. Charlie Baker announced that, effective immediately, grocery store and supermarket workers were eligible to be tested at both the ESE fairgrounds and at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. These essential employees do not need to be symptomatic to be tested and appointments can be made through their store management.

The procedure for being tested is stringent. Those who wish to be tested must call ahead for an appointment. The individual must arrive by vehicle at Gate 1. There, officers from the West Springfield Police Department hold signs that instruct the person to keep their windows rolled up and show their identification and credentials through the glass.

After moving to a second checkpoint, near the Visitor’s Center, the person is ID’d through the window again to make sure they are scheduled to be tested at that time.

At the testing location, set up under the Visitor’s Center arch, members of the National Guard, known as “runners” check the person’s credentials a final time before the car is approached by a member of the Brewster Ambulance Center. It is only then that the individual can roll down their window to have the inside of their nose swabbed.

“That the only hot point,” at which transmission could happen, Hedges said. The swab takes about 10 seconds, he said. The Brewster Ambulance Center personnel have been trained to take samples and are the only ones allowed to interact with the person being tested.

After testing, the first responder is directed to roll up their window, turn right and exit back through Gate 1.

The samples are sent to Quest Diagnostics for testing each night and the person can expect the results in 24 to 48 hours. Hedges emphasized that no hazardous material remains on site.

The testing site will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for “at least” 30 days, Hedges said. While still restricted to tests for first responders, he said the Department of Public Health has inquired as to use for medical staff.

The testing only utilizes a small portion of the fairgrounds, consisting of the area around the Visitor’s Center and the Massachusetts building, where workers go to eat and rest.

Hedges said that he was approached by West Springfield Police Chief Paul Connor about the logistics of locating a testing site at the fairgrounds. Hedges said it was ideal since the grounds already had booths, cones and the capability to print signs on site.

“Mr. [Eugene] Cassidy is 100 percent supportive of the use of Eastern States,” for testing, Hedges told Reminder Publishing of the ESE’s president and CEO.

Hedges said that while the town’s health department had received complaints from nervous neighbors, the police have received no calls.

“There’s no risk to [neighbors] at all. Sanitation is at the utmost, I have zero concerns being around these people,” Hedges said of the testing personnel. First responders seeking an appointment for testing can call 855-563-7510.

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