UPDATE: Madison To Distribute COVID Tests At Brown Intermediate

MADISON, CT — First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons issued the following Wednesday evening:

"We recently learned from the Governor’s office that there has been a delay in the shipment of at-home COVID tests to the state of Connecticut. This has required the Town to reschedule its planned distribution of tests to another date. Based on the best available information at this time, we are tentatively rescheduling the distribution of test kits for Madison residents to this Friday, December 31st starting at 9 a.m. Test kits will be distributed through a drive through pick-up line at Brown Intermediate School (located at 980 Durham Road) and will continue until allocated supplies run out. Please note that no cars will be allowed to line-up at the distribution site prior to 8:30 a.m. This revised date and time is still tentative only due to the uncertainty over product delivery. Additional communications from the Town will be forthcoming to confirm final details for the revised plan of distribution.

I would like to emphasize that the Town’s objective with the COVID test distribution plan is to get as many kits into the hands of residents as quickly as possible. The Town is expecting to receive approximately 2,000 test kits for a population of almost 18,000. We do not have test kits for everyone. These free at-home tests are intended for those truly in need of being tested now, including those who are exhibiting signs of COVID or had a close contact to a family member with COVID but unable to schedule a COVID test. They are a temporary stop gap measure to stop the spread and not intended for work related testing requirements, anticipated travel or attendance at large gatherings.

However, we also understand that some Madison seniors may have difficulty accessing the free COVID tests due to transportation issues. If you are 65 years or older and have a family member, friend or neighbor able to drive you, we will provide one additional test kit to any Madison resident age 65+ who is a passenger in the car with proof of ID. A maximum of 4 kits will be issued per car.

Please also note that the Madison Senior Center and Youth & Family Services are working on a limited distribution of test kits to homebound seniors and other vulnerable populations. More information will be forthcoming on this program early next week. I also want to highlight that Madison Public Schools is expecting to receive an allotment of test kits in January from the state to help address school related testing requirements. More details on this program will also be forthcoming.

A reminder that when distribution occurs, it will be on a first come, first served basis and be limited to 1 test kit per car. Additional kits will be provided to any resident senior in the vehicle age 65+ with proof of ID. Each test kit contains 2 COVID tests. Proof of Madison residency is required to receive a test kit. Proof of residency includes a driver’s license, tax bill, or car registration with a Madison address, or a 2021 Beach Sticker affixed to the vehicle.

Your patience and understanding would be appreciated as we undertake this significant challenge. Please continue to monitor the town website for the most up to date information.
Stay safe Madison."

Original story

As the town has seen a "rapid uptick" in COVID-19 cases, at-home test kits will be distributed Thursday, according to First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons.

Tests will be distributed through a drive through pick-up line at Brown Intermediate School, 980 Durham Road, starting around 12:30 p.m., Thursday and will continue until supplies run out, which could be up to 3 p.m. or later depending on demand, Lyons said. Cars will not be allowed to line up before noon.

Distribution will be on a first come, first served basis and be limited to 1 test kit per car. Each test kit contains 2 COVID-19 tests. Proof of Madison residency — which may include a driver’s license, tax bill, or car registration with a Madison address, or a 2021 Beach Sticker —is required to receive a test kit.

"Given the volume of tests we will be distributing, please be patient with town staff and public safety while we work to keep the lines moving safely and as quickly as possible," she said.

130 residents currently positive for COVID-19

"We understand that access to testing is limited right now so we encourage anyone who is exhibiting signs of COVID or had a close contact to a family member with COVID to please take advantage of this free at-home test," Lyons said.

Noting the "rapid uptick in active cases," Lyons wrote: "Let’s do what we can now to stop the recent surge of COVID in our community."

"While we recognize people want to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends, we ask everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to take precautionary measures by limiting gathering sizes, and wearing a mask at all times in public settings including local stores and restaurants, and at any large indoor gathering," she said.

Lyons has also reinstituted a mask mandate for all town facilities, regardless of a person’s vaccination status.

"We are also actively monitoring cases and may seek additional policy changes if deemed necessary to protect the public," she said.