Monroe's Coronavirus Test Kits May Be Delayed: First Selectman

MONROE, CT — Monroe was slated to receive 2,400 home coronavirus test kits from the state this week, but First Selectman Ken Kellogg announced the shipment may be delayed.

"A statewide call with the Governor’s office just concluded at 5:00 PM [Wednesday], during which we were informed that the Connecticut shipment of COVID-19 test kits has not yet left California, and that the State of Connecticut may not have the kits in time for us to receive and distribute by tomorrow afternoon," Kellogg said in a statement. "I share your frustration. We expect to get an update from the state late tonight. I will send another message tomorrow morning to advise whether or not our planned distribution must be postponed."

The free kits were scheduled to be distributed from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Jockey Hollow Middle School, 365 Fan Hill Road in Monroe, while supplies last. Connecticut is receiving 3 million free testing kits as part of a federal initiative.

"This will be a drive-through pickup and identification showing Monroe residency is required," Kellogg said in a statement about the originally scheduled event. "Please do not arrive early, as vehicles will not be allowed to line up in advance."

Because of the limited supply of kits, only one kit (which contains two tests) will be given out per vehicle.

"Furthermore, the state is currently planning for a separate test kit distribution in January for students in grades K-12," Kellogg said. "Further details are expected next week and will be communicated as soon as available to the Monroe school community."

He added, "As transmission has continued to increase throughout the state, we encourage those not fully vaccinated and boosted to visit the COVID-19 page on our website, www.MonroeCT.org/COVID-19, for links to find vaccination and boosters in our area."