Bristol Residents Line Up For Second At-Home Test Kit Distribution

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

January 10, 2022

Residents again gathered before dawn Saturday for a second distribution of nearly 4,000 in-home covid test kits, one that will likely be the last distribution of its kind for a while, according to Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano.

“I’m thankful that they do have it here because of the fact it allowed me after being at home with my grandchildren to test on my own to see if I’d been exposed,” said Beatrice Davis, one of the first drivers in line to receive tests at Bristol Firehouse Four on Vincent P. Kelly Road. “I work at a healthcare facility and it helps to know that they and I can be safe by having this test done.”

Davis noted that lines continue to be long and tests are difficult to find throughout the area. She had been sitting in line since 5 a.m. This was her first time through a distribution line.

“When we have distributions locally it makes it a lot easier and less frustrating,” she said.

Once distributions began, vehicles rolled through the back portion of the firehouse where they were given masks and kits in only a few seconds before rolling back out.

“I think this has been pretty well organized. I got here at about 6:15 am.,” said Ray Vivier, also waiting in line.

The Bristol CERT Team was once again available to help distribute tests and masks as well as leaders past and present from both the Republican and Democratic town committees. Vehicles that had a pair of residents were given two kits, however, no more than that.

“I’m really grateful we had a second shipment,” said City Council member Sue Tyler. “A lot of people have a demand and need. It’s great that we’re all here to be able to hand them out.”

Bristol Republican Town Committee Chair Rich Kilby was present to help direct cars into the back of the firehouse after they were guided to the location by Bristol police.

“If it’s for the betterment of the people, I love doing it,” said Kilby about being out on a cold morning in the mid-teens. “I feel disappointed at how much (the overall kit number) the state has given Bristol. For 60,000 people, we should have gotten a few more.”

Kilby said that if residents wanted to see more test distributions, he encouraged them to reach out to their state representatives.

The mayor said he felt the previous distribution had gone smoothly and the second was seeing vehicles move at a quick pace as well.

“There have been towns that have had really long lines and angry people,” said Caggiano. “We started an hour early and we’ve preplanned this and we want to make sure people have a good experience. We’ve tons of volunteers.”

The mayor said the state originally promised to give Bristol 8,000 kits and logistical challenges prevented the city from receiving the full amount for its first distribution. The municipality gave away 3,300 the previous Tuesday

“Then we got this distribution (of nearly 4,000 kits), so we’ll ultimately get about 8,000 kits out to the public, which is a good thing,” said Caggiano. “What they’ve (the state) said to us is this is the last allotment. We’ll see. If they give us more, we’ll get them out.”

Former City Council member Scott Rosado thanked Caggiano for contacting the day’s volunteers.

“This morning the Bristol All Heart Team was in full force to ensure the residents in our community have the necessary PPE and at-home covid tests,” he said. “These tests will allow us to test ourselves while medical resources are limited at this time. Please follow safety protocol to allow a safe environment for everyone.”