COVID Test Kits Allocated for New Canaan Residents, Distribution via Drive-thru

This afternoon, Wednesday, December 29, New Canaan First Selectman Kevin Moynihan provided the community with an important update about COVID test kits distributed by the State of CT.

The State’s plan is to distribute the test kits to municipalities this Thursday, December 30^th. Assuming the State adheres to their timeline, the Town plans to set up a process for families to pick them up Thursday evening at a drive-through site.  The tests will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for New Canaan residents only using the same Sign-up Genius app here.

As you may be aware from press reports, Governor Lamont announced that the State of Connecticut was able to procure a supply of at-home self-test COVID-19 test kits for distribution to the public because the demand for tests has outpaced the current supply for testing in many parts of the state.

The objective is to get test kits into the hands of families prior to the coming holiday weekend to help reduce the current surge in COVID-19 cases by allowing individuals to identify COVID-19 cases quickly and take steps to isolate appropriately to curb further spread of the virus.

The State is allocating only enough test kits for a small percentage of the New Canaan population, so the target for these test kits are individuals and families who plan to attend holiday weekend gatherings. Those planning to remain at home for the weekend should not seek tests in this distribution.

Each family can receive one test kit per member up to a maximum of four kits (each kit has two tests, to allow a two-test regimen for an individual). Those who get a positive test result should stay at home, not attend gatherings and follow updated 5-day CDC guidelines for isolation. No one who tests positive should pursue follow up PCR testing.

The distribution on Thursday evening will allow residents to drive through in their vehicles and the kits will be handed through the rear window.  No walk-ups will be allowed, and please do not bring pets in the car.  Drivers should also bring identification showing residency in New Canaan.

The registration link for the Thursday, December 30^th test kit distribution is here

Each family should only register for one time slot – the volunteers at the pickup point will ask for family size at that time.  Signups have a time slot associated, and we ask that drivers do their best to arrive in that time window.

I would note that twice-weekly testing at Irwin by the town and various pharmacies will continue in the New Year.

We urge all residents to use caution this holiday weekend and follow Covid protocols of wearing masks indoors, social distancing and avoiding large public gatherings where possible.

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