New Canaan Coronavirus: Drive-Thru Test Collection Starts Friday

NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan will begin drive-thru coronavirus (COVID-19) test collection on Friday in the parking lot at Saxe Middle School, according to Emergency Management Director Mike Handler.

The site will be available only to New Canaan residents (for the time being, Handler says) who have symptoms of the virus, have received a doctor's order, and have set up an appointment.

"An appointment can only be obtained by completing the THREE forms found at www.coronatestct.com," Handler said in a message to residents on the town's website. The forms are a questionnaire, demographics profile and insurance billing consent.

On Thursday, First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said while officials are still urging residents to stay home when possible and practice social distancing, the parks, open space and nature preserves in New Canaan remain open.

"We're encouraging people to get outside, so long as they don't congregate in groups, small or large," Moynihan said during an online conference call with members of the press.

"We're not ordering isolation yet," he added, stressing that the town's tennis and paddle courts, and golf course, also remain open. "We might get there at some point, but for now we're not."

New Canaan had its first COVID-19 death on Wednesday, when longtime resident Bill Pike, 91, passed away from the virus.

Currently one of the ongoing pressing needs is keeping as many food establishments open as possible in town for take-out, delivery and curbside pickup.

"If the situation becomes more difficult, we are going to have to figure out how we're going to get food to people, especially our seniors," Moynihan said, adding that the town's GetAbout transportation system, which remains operational through the outbreak, is now delivering some meals.

Below is Handler's message about the town's drive-thru test collection efforts:

Good Evening,
It is 7:00 pm on March 18th and this is Emergency Management Director Mike Handler with an
important update on the novel coronavirus. Today we noticed that people were more relaxed with the social distancing throughout town. We know that the weather is nice but we must ask you to please continue to strictly limit social gathering and maintain social distancing. We would really rather not have to impose greater restrictions. Curb-side pick-up and delivery at our local restaurants continues and we strongly encourage you to continue to enjoy their meals.

I mentioned yesterday that Murphy Associates would begin drive-thru testing in New Canaan this Friday, March 20th. First and foremost, the test is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY and for New Canaan residents only (for the time being). You should expect to be asked for your driver’s license number for identification purposes. The test site will be outdoors at Saxe Middle School located at 468 South Avenue and you are to remain in your car with the windows up until instructed by a staff member. At no times will the school building be unlocked or entered by anyone. Only those with appointments will be directed to the Saxe entrance located on Farm Road. YOU CANNOT GET TESTED WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT, NO EXCEPTIONS. An appointment can only be obtained by completing the THREE forms found at www.coronatestct.com. The forms are as follows:

Form 1 – Coronavirus Questionnaire
Form 2 – Patient Demographics
Form 3 – Insurance Billing Consent

The FDA-approved COVID-19 novel coronavirus test can only be performed with a prescription,
which you obtain from Murphy Associates once you progress through the pre-screening process. Murphy Associates will follow the CDC guidelines for testing, which clearly state that you need to have been (1) in close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 or be a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19; AND, (3) you must have developed symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath). If you do not have symptoms, you will not progress past the first step in the registration process. This is a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which requires a viral load for detection. We suggest you begin the process as soon as possible. We have attempted to make this process as smooth as possible. Please be patient. If your questions cannot be answered by Murphy Associates, please contact the New Canaan Department of Health at (203) 594-3037.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation.
Thank You,
Mike Handler