Coronavirus

Distribution of At-Home Rapid COVID-19 Tests Postponed

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UPDATED 12/30/21 11:40 A.M.: The governor's office has announced Connecticut's shipment of at-home rapid COVID-19 tests has been delayed, which is affecting distribution schedules. Towns and cities will be providing updates as they learn when they will receive their shipments.

One million at-home rapid COVID-19 tests and millions of N-95 masks will be available to be distributed to the general public in Connecticut starting later this week.

The 500,000 iHealth kits each contain two tests and are set aside for the general public. Distribution can begin on Thursday, Dec. 30 and will continue through the first week in January, the governor's office said.

The state of Connecticut plans to distribute three million at-home rapid COVID-19 tests and six million N95 masks starting as early as Dec. 30, the governor announced Monday.

The state is working with local cities and towns and will ultimately leave the distribution in each jurisdiction up to that municipality, Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Department of Public Health said at a news conference.

Governor Lamont announced plans on Monday to distribute millions of at-home rapid COVID tests and N95 masks.

Here is how towns and cities plan to distribute the tests.

Bloomfield

Test kits will be distributed to Bloomfield residents on Friday, Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until the supply is exhausted.

It will be distributed in a drive-thru process at the west driveway of the Carmen Arace Middle School on Park Avenue.

There will be a limit of 2 kits per household and proof of Bloomfield residency will be required.

Bridgeport

Bridgeport residents in need of an at-home test kit must register with the city's Office of Emergency Management starting Wednesday, Dec. 29. The date of the distribution is to be determined. Registrants will be informed by email or phone.

Testing kits are for Bridgeport residents only or organizations that serve vulnerable Bridgeport residents.

Residents can register by clicking here or by visiting BridgeportCT.gov/TestKit. If you are unable to register online, you can call 203-579-3829 and leave a message including your name and phone number.

Bristol

The city of Bristol will be giving out COVID-19 test kits to residents on Thursday, Dec. 30 and Friday, Dec. 31.

The distribution site at Firehouse #4 will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 12 to 3 p.m. on Friday.

Residents are asked to follow signs from Middle Street to Cross Street, right onto Lake Avenue and right onto Vincent P. Kelly Road. People must be Bristol residents to receive test kits.

Canton - Postponed

The Town of Canton has postponed today’s distribution event until the test kits have arrived.  

Approximately 1,100 kits were to be distributed to residents on Thursday, Dec. 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Canton Community Center.

N95 masks are expected to be distributed at a later date.

Coventry

Distribution for Coventry residents will take place on Thursday, Dec. 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School.

Residents are instructed to use the entrance from Main Street and follow the traffic signs and attendants to pick up at the front canopy.

One kit will be given per household member with a maximum of 4.

Proof of residency is required.

Cromwell

Cromwell officials said they expect to receive rapid COVID-19 tests to give out to residents on Thursday, Dec. 30. Distribution will take place from 2 to 6 p.m.

Attendees must provide proof of residency in order to get the test kits. People will receive two kits while supplies last, officials said.

The distribution center will be held at the Cromwell Town Hall parking lot. Tests will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

East Hartford

East Hartford town officials have postponed plans to distribute their 5,000 at-home COVID-19 test kits based on the state's announcement of the shipment delay. The event was originally planned for East Hartford High School and the Connecticut IB Academy on Thursday. Officials ask residents to check the town website and social media pages for updates.

Kits will be given out through a drive-up system on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ups will be accommodated for those who don't have cars. Residents who come out will be asked to show proof of residency.

Town officials are asking that just one representative of each household comes to collect test kits. A maximum of two test kits per car will be given out - each kit contains two tests.

The entrance to the distribution site is the Forbes Street entrance to the high school and the exit out through Leonard Drive.

East Lyme

The town of East Lyme is holding two simultaneous distribution events on Friday, Dec. 31 starting at 9 a.m.

The events are until the supply runs out.

The first location is at East Lyme Middle School on Society Road. The tests will be given at the back of the school, however, the traffic pattern will be reversed from the normal direction in order to mitigate traffic issues in front of the school. (From Industrial Road, residents must proceed to Society Road and follow the detour signs to the drive-thru entrance.)

The second location is at Bride Brook Park.

Proof of residency is required at either location. Once verified, residents will receive tickets and can then exchange those for test kits. There is a maximum of two test kits.

Fairfield

Fairfield town officials will be distributing 7,710 COVID-19 test kits to residents on Thursday, Dec. 30. People can pick up test kits from 12 to 5 p.m., or until supplies last, at Roger Ludlowe Middle School.

Residents entering the distribution site should enter the middle school at 440 Mill Plains Rd., adjacent to Sturges Park. Because of limited supply, test kits are intended for residents that are symptomatic or that have a known exposure who tested positive, according to town officials.

Proof of residency is required. Families will receive a maximum of two kits, or four tests, per household.

Farmington

The town of Farmington is set to receive 3,420 test kits and is distributing them on Friday, December 31 at Farmington High School.

Details about the drive-thru distribution will be posted on the town's website and social media on Thursday by 2 p.m.

Each car will receive a maximum of two test kits until supplies last.

Proof of residency is required.

Glastonbury

The town of Glastonbury is planning to distribute over 4,000 at-home rapid COVID-19 tests to residents on Friday, Dec. 31. Distribution was pushed back a day after the state announced shipping delays. Town officials said they're planning to pick up the test kits in the morning and hold a distribution event right after.

The event will begin at 10 p.m. at Glastonbury High School. Kits will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis to town residents, barring any further delays. Residents can check the town website for updates.

People will be asked to provide proof of residency. Each car will receive two test kits, or four tests.

Glastonbury officials will also have N95 masks to distribute in the next couple of weeks.

Groton - Canceled

The town of Groton's drive-thru distribution event from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30 has been canceled and will be rescheduled.

The distribution will be on a first-come, first-served basis and continues until supplies run out. There is a limit of two test kits per household.

Proof of residency is required.

This distribution will include residents of Groton Long Point, however, City of Groton residents have received a separate allotment and city officials will be coordinating a separate distribution for City of Groton residents.

Hartford

The city of Hartford plans to begin distributing tests on Thursday, Dec. 30. The city says this will not be affected by the delayed shipment, because they are working off a supply of city-purchased tests already in their possession.

For full details on Hartford's plans and locations, click here.

Milford - Postponed

The distribution event for Thursday, Dec. 30 has been postponed. Milford emergency management officials said they are standing by ready to pick up Milford’s allotment of test kits as soon as they enter the state.

Residents can follow the City’s website and Facebook page (@MilfordCityHall) for updates and announcements regarding future test kit distribution events

Montville

The Uncas Health District said Montville will be distributing the COVID-19 self-test kits on Thursday, Dec. 30.

Residents can pick up tests from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until supplies last, at Tyl Middle School on Chesterfield Road.

People who go are required to bring a form of ID to prove town residency.

Killingly

The town of Killingly is doing a drive-thru distribution of at-home COVID-19 test kits at the Town Hall parking lot on Friday, Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The distribution is while supplies last.

Residents are asked to enter the lot coming north from the courthouse and exit from Academy to Main Street.

Proof of residency is required. Two test kits will be distributed per vehicle or per household.

Ledyard

Residents can get up to 4 at-home rapid COVID-19 tests at Ledyard High School from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, Dec. 31.

The event is a drive-thru distribution and proof of residency is required.

Residents are instructed to enter the Ledyard High School driveway on Colonel Ledyard then pull up to the front entrance of the school and exit on Gallup Hill after getting the test kits.

Manchester

The town of Manchester is giving out approximately 5,000 test kits to residents at the former Parkade site on Broad Street on Friday, Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There is a limit of three kits per household and distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Proof of residency is required.

Meriden

Barring delivery issues, Meriden will be distributing 2,000 testing kits on Thursday, Dec. 30 starting at noon on Mill Street near the Meriden Green. Kits are available first-come, first-serve. An additional 5,000 kits will be made available to community partners during the week of January 3.

The Mill Street site will be a drive-thru, with each car receiving two kits, each containing the two tests.

There will also be 10,000 N95 masks available for distribution.

Middletown

The City of Middletown was allocated approximately 6,000 test kits with 4,000 of them being distributed to the general public on Friday, Dec. 31.

A drive-thru distribution is being held at Middletown High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last.

A walk-up distribution is being held at Macdonough School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last.

Proof of residency is required to receive the kits. There is a limit of two kits per household.

The remaining 2,000 kits will be distributed to first responders, essential businesses and community organizations with a high need for additional testing supply.

Milford

The City of Milford is distributing the test kits to residents on Thursday, Dec. 30 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Milford Fire Department/Emergency Management Facility on Seemans Lane.

The distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Proof of residency through an ID and/or Milford beach sticker is required.

The city says the test kits are intended for residents who may be experiencing symptoms, residents who had a recent exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and/or residents who have or will be attending larger gatherings.

Naugatuck

Naugatuck plans to distribute tests on Friday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. at the Naugatuck Event Center on Old Firehouse Road. They will have 3,960 kits available. Residents can arrive by car and will be directed by officials on scene. Proof of residency is required. If you cannot make the distribution or have another hardship, you can email CERT@Naugatuck-CT.gov.

New Haven

The City of New Haven said it is getting 30,000 test kits and each test kit has 2 tests inside. A total of 60,000 tests will be available to New Haven residents.

Mayor Justin Elicker said the city is planning on distributing the tests in two ways:

  • Nonprofits and community partners that work with vulnerable populations will be getting some of the tests.
  • Two mass distribution sites will be available for New Haven residents.
    • One site will be on Friday, Dec. 31 and the other will be Saturday, Jan. 1. Details about distribution and the locations have not been released.

City officials are encouraging residents that are going back to work and potentially could expose other people or families that have children that are going back to school to get the tests.

N95 masks will also be distributed.

Newington

Newington officials are planning to distribute rapid at-home COVID-19 tests on Friday, Dec. 31. Residents can pick up test kits at Newington High School between 9 and 11 a.m.

Tests will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of residency is required.

Town officials said a maximum of two tests kits will be given to each car.

Masks will be available to residents at a later date.

New London - Delayed

The city of New London delayed its plans to distribute 3,510 COVID-19 test kits to residents after they learned of the shipment delays.

The distribution at CB Jennings School is canceled.

New details on the rescheduled pickup will be made available as city officials work out the details.

Residents are encouraged to drive through to pick up their tests, but they can also walk up. People will need to bring proof of residency and each resident will be given two self-test kits.

North Haven

The Town of North Haven is hosting both a regional and local distribution of at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits.

Thursday:

The state is sending the Town of North Haven a limited allocation for each city and town in the area. The test kits will be distributed at the recreation center on Linsley Street by the National Guard.

Sunday:

North Haven will have 3,060 test kits to distribute to residents on Sunday, Jan. 2 at North Haven High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The test kits are limited to North Haven residents who are 18+ only and proof of residency is required. Test kits are limited to one box per household and there will be no exceptions.

North Stonington

The Town of North Stonington is getting 720 test kits to distribute on Friday, December 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The test kits will be distributed at the New Town Hall.

The kits are for residents only and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of residency may be required.

There is a limit of four kits per household.

Only residents with COVID-19 symptoms or residents who have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 will receive a kit.

Norwalk

The city of Norwalk is distributing free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests to residents at Calf Pasture Beach beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 31. The drive-thru distribution is first come, first serve and runs until 3 p.m. It is possible the event could end early if supplies run out.

Proof of residency is required and there will be a limit to the number of tests provided.

Norwich

Norwich town officials planned to distribute at-home rapid COVID-19 tests to residents on Thursday, Dec. 30, but the kits will not be available and the distribution planned for Dec. 30 is canceled. Kits were to be given out from 12 to 3 p.m. in front of Kelly Middle School.

Schools will receive test kits early in January, so town officials say these test kits should be used primarily for the public who have interacted or intend to interact with people whose COVID-19 status is unknown.

Masks will also be distributed.

Plainville

The scheduled Dec. 30 distribution is canceled.

Rocky Hill

Town officials said they are expected to receive 2,610 test kits for distribution for town residents that may have been exposed to the virus.

Distribution will begin on Thursday afternoon and will be for residents that believe they have been exposed or have been experiencing symptoms or residents that traveled over the holidays and have been experiencing symptoms.

The rapid test kits will be distributed at Fire Station One and at the Town Hall.

The distribution hours are:

  • Thursday, Dec. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at Fire Station One
  • Friday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station One
  • Tuesday, Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Hall (in front by the fountain)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Hall (in front by the fountain)
  • Thursday, Jan. 6 and thereafter from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at town hall on the second floor in room 217

Up to two test kits will be distributed per car or per person.

Southington

The town of Southington planned to give out the testing kits to town residents at the Recreation Park concession stand on Maxwell Noble Drive on Thursday, Dec. 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to noon or until supplies last, but Thursday's distribution was canceled.

Town officials said that if they cannot get confirmation by 3 p.m. today, they will be forced to cancel tomorrow's distribution event.

There is a limit of four kits, which totals eight tests per person/household.

N95 masks and surgical masks will also be distributed at the same location and times. Quantities are limited.

Stamford - Canceled

The Thursday, Dec. 30 distribution of the test kits at Cummings Park, Kosciuszko Park and Scalzi Park is canceled.

Stonington

Residents of Stonington have several locations they can pick up the testing kits on Thursday, Dec. 30 and Friday, Dec. 31.

Thursday:

  • Stonington Town Hall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Residents are instructed to drive through around Town Hall.
    • 300 kits are available at this location
  • Pawcatuck Fire Department from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Residents should park in the rear parking lot and come to the back of the station.
    • 300 kits are available at this location
  • Stonington Police Department from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Residents should drive through and the tests will be distributed from an officer near the side entrance.
    • 350 kits are available at this location

Friday:

  • Stonington Borough Fire Department from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
    • Residents should drive through and the tests will be distributed in front of the fire station.
    • 200 kits are available at this location
  • Old Mystic Fire Department from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
    • Residents are instructed to park in the parking lot across from the fire station and tests will be distributed from outside the front of the entrance of the station.
    • 200 kits are available at this location
  • Stonington Human Services from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    • Residents should drive through and the tests will be distributed in the parking lot.
    • 300 kits are available at this location
  • Mystic Fire Department from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    • Residents should park and come in the back entrance of the station.
    • 150 kits are available at this location

Each household is allowed to get a maximum of two test kits. Once a location runs out of tests, there will not be any more tests available.

Stratford

The town of Stratford was scheduled to give out more than 6,500 at-home testing kits to residents on Thursday, Dec. 30, but the distribution could be delayed.

Kits were expected to be available from 2 to 6 p.m. at two distribution sites in town: Bunnell High School and Stratford Academy: Johnson House parking lot.

Officials acknowledged that the number of tests would be insufficient to cover everyone in town, but they'll be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each household will receive a maximum of two kits, or four tests.

Torrington

The city of Torrington said it is expecting to receive a few thousand at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests will only be distributed to Torrington residents and proof of residency will be required before kits will be provided.

Officials said the kits are scheduled to be distributed on Friday, Dec. 31 beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at noon at Torrington Middle School. Residents are urged to plan accordingly because the time frame for the event is dependent on when the supply is exhausted.

Residents planning on getting a test kit will need to enter the middle school via the East Pearl Road entrance then exit onto Torringford St. There will be two lines of traffic to keep the process moving.

N95 masks will not be distributed during the event, but are expected to be provided in the coming days at another event.

Voluntown

The town of Voluntown is getting 360 kits. The town canceled plans for distribution on Thursday, Dec. 30 after the state announced a delay in the shipment. Town officials said they would reschedule as the tests become available.

Waterford

The town of Waterford is distributing the test kits on Friday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Waterford High School field house.

The distribution is while supplies last.

Residents can pick up one kit, which includes two tests. Proof of residency such as a driver's license or mail addressed to the resident is required.

West Hartford - Canceled

The town of West Hartford has canceled the distribution of free at-home COVID-19 test kits planned for Friday, Dec. 31 due to the delay in the delivery.

Westport - Delayed

Distribution of COIVD-19 test kits to residents in Westport planned for Thursday, Dec. 30 is postponed.

Once the test kits are received, residents will be notified of the new date/time of distribution.

Each vehicle will receive two test kits on a first-come, first-served basis, town officials said.

Families with children attending Westport Public School are asked to report positive COVID-19 cases of students using the district's reporting voicemail or email.

Wethersfield

Wethersfield town officials said they're distributing a limited supply of at-home COVID-19 kits to residents on Friday, Dec. 31. The distribution will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wethersfield High School - residents are asked to enter from the Wolcott Hill Road entrance.

People will be asked to show proof of residency. Each car will receive two test kits, town officials said.

Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms is asked not to come to the pickup site and to send someone else in their place.

Windham

Windham town officials are giving out COVID-19 test kits to residents on Thursday, Dec. 30. The distribution site will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. at Windham Middle School.

Residents will get one test kit per person in the vehicle. Proof of residency will be required.

Additional Tests to Be Distributed to Schools

An additional two million tests will be distributed to K-12 schools across the state starting in January and continuing throughout the school year, Gov. Ned Lamont's office said.

The state will also distribute up to six million N95 masks to the general public and schools.

Governor Asks National Guard for Help

Lamont is calling on National Guard soldiers and airmen to help distribute the at-home rapid tests and N95 masks that the state purchased.

The governor is calling on nearly 100 servicemen for help.

The servicemen will also perform missions to alleviate the effects caused by the current Omicron variant surge, according to Lamont.

“As these at-home tests arrive in Connecticut over these next several days and weeks, the National Guard will help provide support on behalf of the state to ensure that they are distributed to each municipality and school district,” Lamont said.

“The Connecticut National Guard has provided an incredible amount of support throughout this pandemic, and I thank them for their ongoing commitment to the residents of our state," he continued.

The activation of the National Guard is federally-funded, according to state officials.

“Our state is facing a challenging time. It is a time for caution and deliberate action, not worry,” Major General Francis Evon, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, said.

“Our soldiers and airmen have resolutely supported Connecticut and our communities throughout this pandemic. At this point, our COVID-19 response is well-refined, and I have full confidence that Connecticut’s Guard will meet any demand asked of them by the state as they have over the last two years. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to help keep schools open, keep the economy running and keep our neighbors safe," he continued.

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