NEW HAVEN, Conn. – This morning the city of New Haven began distributing at-home rapid tests. Today’s rapid test distribution was targeted at essential city staff – particularly teachers ahead of the first day of school on Monday as well as firefighters, police officers, and public works. As tests are still limited, essential employees are directed to only pick up tests if they are symptomatic or have a known COVID exposure. This distribution was made possible by the approximately 10,000 tests the city has recently acquired. The city anticipates it will acquire on its own additional tests by the end of the week.

 

The city has also recently received the first tranche of rapid antigen tests from the State of Connecticut. The shipment of about 9,000 tests (4,500 two test kits) will begin being distributed tomorrow. This initial distribution will be used to get tests into the hands of community groups servicing vulnerable residents – such as the elderly and those experiencing homelessness. The City will also be distributing a large portion of these tests to New Haven Public Schools for use by families with school children who are symptomatic or have a known COVID exposure. The city expects to receive additional tests from the state this week – additional distribution plans will be announced when those are received.

At this moment, given the limitations of test availability, the City is not distributing tests to the general public however is recommending people use the Wren Labs sites at 60 Sargent drive or the New Haven Green, or other local testing providers.

This city has also been distributing N95 masks that it has received from the state of Connecticut and will continue to do so.

“Earlier today I was at the distribution site for New Haven Public School staff who are symptomatic or have a known COVID exposure,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “Our team has an efficient operation going, and it was great to see so many essential city staff coming out to get tests. Particularly it was great to see so many teachers getting tests in order to ensure they’re ready to return safely to work tomorrow morning. We thank everyone for working through this difficult time.”