Massachusetts issues new COVID testing guidance

Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced that Massachusetts has secured an order for 26 million rapid antigen tests over the next three months. 

The announcement came before Baker spoke before the Legislature's Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management. During the appearance, he engaged in at-times heated exchanges with Democratic lawmakers over the state’s response to the recent COVID surge, my colleagues Matt Stout and Sahar Fatima reported.

Also on Tuesday, the state released updated guidance on COVID-19 testing, including when to take a PCR test and when to take a rapid, at-home test. Here's a look at what the state is now suggesting. 

Speaking of rapid tests, if you use one and test positive, should you report your infection to the state? Massachusetts officials said no. 

And what about reports that swabbing your throat — in addition to your nose — will pick up the highly transmissible Omicron variant more quickly than swabbing your nose alone? Experts are divided on that point.