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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – After mounting complaints about people not getting results from their free COVID-19 tests, the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) has ordered a cease and desist letter to three sites that were being operated by the Center for COVID Control (CCC) in the state.
In a statement sent to WBZ NewsRadio, DPH said they were made aware of complaints related to the business, which has testing sites in Needham, North Dartmouth and Worcester. DPH conducted a survey Wednesday to investigate the complaints and found that the CCC’s sites were performing tests without required state approvals.
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“The order, effective immediately, requires the Center for COVID Control to immediately cease providing all services that require clinical laboratory licensure by DPH,” the statement read. “Municipal public health departments from the three affected communities assisted with the delivery of these letters.”
Residents are being urged to not visit any of the center’s locations or use any of the CCC’s rapid antigen tests that are sold at pharmacies and online.
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In a separate statement the WBZ NewsRadio, the CCC said they are experiencing a high demand for testing. In order to address this strain and effectively provide results, the organization will temporarily close their sites from Friday until Saturday, January 22.
“Center for Covid Control is committed to serving our patients in the safest, most accurate and most compliant manner,” said CCC Founder and CEO Aleya Siyaj. “Regrettably, due to our rapid growth and the unprecedented recent demand for testing, we haven't been able to meet all our commitments.”
The company also said that any samples collected Thursday, as well as other patients waiting for results, will be processed during the next two days and provided “in a timely fashion.” The CCC did not acknowledge the statement from the DPH.
WBZ's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) explains:
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