Town Of Essex: Municipal Distribution Of COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits

Press release from the Town of Essex:

December 28, 2021 - 3:30pm

Governor Ned Lamont yesterday announced plans to distribute three million COVID-19 at-home rapid tests and six million N95 masks in Connecticut to help curb the spread of COVID-19 during this heavy travel and holiday season.

The first allocation will include the distribution of 500,000 iHealth kits – each containing two tests for a total of one million tests – that will be designated for the general public. Distribution of these kits is scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 30, 2021, and is expected to run through the following week based on test kit availability. Essex expects to receive 900 test kits for distribution to Town residents. Each kit is intended for one person, with two tests included. If the first test is negative, the second test should be used for a retest 2-3 days later. This initiative is intended to allow residents with symptoms or who have had potential recent exposure to test at home in order to make wise decisions about outings or other planned activities.

The first traunch of Covid test kits will be arriving this Thursday, December 30. A group of Town officials including the Board of Selectmen, Essex Ambulance, Police, Emergency Management Personnel, and members of the Essex Fire Department are meeting Wednesday to figure out a fair and equitable way to distribute the tests.

A maximum of two test kits will be allowed per household. Distribution procedures and timing will be communicated from Town Hall within the next day or two.

When considering whether or not to pick up a test kit, please follow the following guidance:

Yes - If you have minor symptoms of a cold or have been in a group setting that may have exposed you to COVID-19.

Yes - If you know that you have encountered someone who has tested positive for COVID within the past week.

No - If you have been isolating and have only associated with your normal cohort of people.

No - If you have tested positive for COVID in the last two weeks.

Testing is not intended to be a substitute for vaccination, masking, hand washing and other safeguards from infection.

This initiative also will include the distribution of N95 masks in the next week or two. Details of the distribution of the N95 masks are still being finalized and are subject to change this week.

In addition to those designated for the general public, the state has purchased another one million iHealth kits that will be distributed to K-12 schools statewide. Distribution of those kits will begin in January and continue through the school year as supplies last. More details on the distribution of tests for schools will be announced in early January.

COVID is very contagious. The best thing you can do this New Year’s Eve is to celebrate with a small number of people and take great precautions to protect yourself and others.

Be Safe.

Norm

This press release was produced by the Town of Essex.The views expressed here are the author’s own.