NORWALK, CT — The city of Norwalk will distribute free rapid at-home coronavirus tests to residents on a first come, first serve basis during a drive-thru distribution event Friday as the state continues to grapple with the omicron variant of the virus.
In a news release, city spokesperson Josh Morgan said the distribution event will take place at Calf Pasture Beach beginning at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. The event will run until 3 p.m. but may end sooner if supplies run out.
Proof of Norwalk residency is required and there will be a limit of how many tests are provided to each household, Morgan said.
“There has been a significant demand for testing during this current surge of COVID-19 and it is important to get these tests to residents before the weekend,” Mayor Harry Rilling said in a statement. “I thank Governor [Ned] Lamont for his ongoing leadership throughout this public health crisis and providing resources to communities around the state. Please remember even if someone tests negative, but is feeling sick or symptomatic, they should remain home and not risk exposing others. If someone tests positive, please report this information to the Norwalk Health Department so we can better understand community transmission.”
When residents arrive to Calf Pasture Beach, police and Norwalk Health Department Emergency Response Team volunteers will be on site to ensure distribution runs smoothly.
According to Morgan, residents must remain in their cars and wear a face mask. They will also be required to provide proof of residency, such as a photo ID, recent utility bill or Norwalk beach pass.
There will be a limit of two test kits (four tests in total) per vehicle. A postcard developed by the Norwalk Health Department will be distributed with the tests and residents can scan the QR code with their smartphone or visit norwalkct.org/selfreport to report a rapid test result, Morgan said.
Norwalk Health Director Deanna D’Amore said it was important that residents continue to follow public health guidelines and limit the size of gatherings heading into the new year as the city attempts to slow the spread of the virus.
“It is imperative that residents follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate test results,” D’Amore said in a statement. “If someone tests positive, please report that information to us and isolate per CDC guidelines. Testing is an important tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please also continue to wear a mask indoors and, if eligible, get vaccinated or boosted.”
The allocation of free rapid at-home tests comes from the state, as announced by Lamont earlier this week. The state indicated that additional free rapid at-home tests and N95 masks will be distributed to K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations statewide in January, Morgan said.
Morgan noted only at-home tests will be distributed during Friday’s event, not N95 masks.
Further information on COVID-19 vaccines and testing in Norwalk can be found at norwalkct.org/citynews.
This article originally appeared on the Norwalk Patch
