The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Health Services have expanded Covid-19 testing to all tribal members (regardless of tribal affiliation) and members of their household at no cost. The Tribe understands that tracking the spread of the virus in the community is a powerful way to save lives

Last month the Tribe’s Indian Health Services unit began offering free drive-thru testing for members of all federally recognized tribes and members of their household. Although the patients are not required to exhibit any symptoms of Covid-19 and do not need a doctor’s referral, the patients must still undergo a standard doctors screening prior, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Anyone in a tribal household may get tested.

"We need to ensure that all tribal members have the opportunity to get tested for COVID-19 in an effort to keep the health and well-being of our tribal citizens as the number one priority," said Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Cedric Cromwell.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe declared a state of emergency in March and applied for FEMA aid. Nelson Andrews, the tribe's emergency management director, said the Mashpee Wampanoag were the first tribal nation to receive federal aid during the new coronavirus crisis.

The additional swab test kits were provided through the resource request efforts of the Emergency Management Department through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Indian Health Services Unit, primarily uses the standard nasal swab test’s and also the Abbott rapid response testing method as needed. Since expanding the testing, almost 200 people have been tested as of the end of April at the drive-thru site at Indian Health Services with a handful testing positive. Current testing numbers are released several times per week by email from Emergency Management.

Those wanting to be tested should call 508-539-2561 to register.