Manchester Officials Outline Virus Test Kit Distribution
MANCHESTER, CT — If they arrive in time from the state, the town of Manchester will be giving out approximately 5,000 COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits free of charge to Manchester residents at the former Parkade site (324 Broad St, Manchester, CT 06040) on Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm., or until all test kits are distributed.
Proof of residency is required and test kits at the location will be given out on a first come, first served basis. Each iHealth kit contains two tests, and there is a limit of three kits per household (six total tests).
Town staffers will be stationed on site to direct traffic, therefore please drive slowly through the site. Please be prepared to show proof of residency.
The town will reserve the remaining tests for a targeted equity distribution effort to get tests to groups who may otherwise have difficulty accessing a test.
Earlier this week, the State of Connecticut announced a plan to distribute more than 3 million COVID-19 at-home rapid tests and 6 million N95 masks to state residents. The first allocation will include the distribution of 500,000 iHealth kits – each containing two tests for a total of 1 million tests – that will be designated for the general public. State officials are also planning to distribute 1 million additional iHealth kits to K-12 schools statewide starting in January.
Manchester is set to receive 7,470 total testing kits on Thursday, December 30 as part of the state’s initial allocation. With a population of 60,000, the demand for this initial round of tests will far exceed supply.
“At-home rapid tests are an important strategy to protect your friends and family from exposure,” said Mayor Jay Moran.
“While this initial allocation will help ease some of the demand burden for COVID tests, we are asking residents to be patient as we work with the state and local pharmacies to secure more tests in the upcoming weeks.”
In addition to the Drive-Through event, Manchester Human Services Department, Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS, and Manchester Police, working with local community groups, will distribute the remaining portion of tests to populations with a high social vulnerability index.
“The Town’s distribution strategy is getting tests to Manchester residents as quickly as possible while also ensuring the testing resources are made available to our residents who have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic”, said General Manager Steve Stephanou.
The Manchester Health Department is also emphasizing the critical importance of vaccinations and masks.
“Study after study continues to show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective,” said Health Director Jeffrey Catlett. “Vaccines remain our most important tool in the effort to finally put an end to this pandemic. In addition, the Health Department strongly recommends that all Manchester residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in public spaces”
This article originally appeared on the Manchester Patch
