UPDATE: Friday's COVID-19 At-Home Test Kit Distribution Canceled

BRANFORD, CT — Late Thursday morning, the town announced that the plan to get some 3,600 rapid test kits to folks on Friday is canceled.

"The distribution of COVID-19 at home rapid test kits scheduled for Friday, December 31, 2021 is canceled due to a delay in the state’s shipment of test kits. Town officials are working closely with the state to monitor shipping status. A new distribution date will be scheduled when the shipment is confirmed."

Gov. Ned Lamont's office has notified municipalities that the state's supply of COVID-19 test kits has been delayed due to shipping and warehouse-related issues and that all distributions plans scheduled for Thursday should be canceled.

Original story:

Branford expects to get 3,600 COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits from the state, for distribution to residents starting Friday.

This distribution is primarily for the public who have interacted or intend to interact with people whose COVID-19 status is unknown, the town noted late Tuesday.

Contingent on getting the testing kits, the town plans to distribute the kits on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. to noon at Branford High School and Walsh Intermediate School, while-supplies last.

The testing kits are limited to Branford residents 18 and older who provide proof of residency and are limited to two boxes per vehicle, no exceptions.

A statement from the First Selectman's office also added that the "town is working with our social service departments and community partners to assist vulnerable populations and those without transportation to access test kits in this distribution and future distributions."

Those people should call the Canoe Brook Senior Center at 203-315-0685 for more information.

Positive result? What comes next

Per the CDC recommendations, if your self-test yields a positive result, please stay home or isolate for 10 days and wear a mask if you have contact with others. There is no need to obtain a follow-up PCR test. You should also contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Given the highly infectious nature of the Omicron variant, it is most important to wear a mask both in public spaces and when interacting in close contact with individuals outside of your household.

Please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for additional guidance.

Residents are reminded to take the following precautions:

• Get a COVID Vaccine (please visit http://www.esdhd.org/ or www.branford-ct.gov for vaccine clinic information)
• If you are sick or experiencing any symptoms, stay home
• Wear your face covering that covers your nose and mouth.
• Do not shake hands or hug anyone.

• Stay 6 feet away from others.

• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

Additional test kits are also expected to be distributed in the coming weeks.