At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits To Be Distributed In Norwalk Sunday

NORWALK, CT — The city will distribute free rapid at-home coronavirus tests to Norwalk residents, by appointment only, Sunday afternoon at Veteran's Park.

In a news release, city spokesperson Josh Morgan said residents can make an appointment for a specific 15-minute time slot between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. to pick up a kit at Veteran's Park.Appointments will become available Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m.

Those who received test kits at the distribution at Calf Pasture Beach on Jan. 4 are encouraged not make an appointment to allow more residents to receive a test, Morgan said.

Additionally, residents are asked to only make an appointment if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have a known exposure to the virus. Appointments can be made here.

Mayor Harry Rilling said he understood the frustration of not being able to find a test and was hopeful this distribution would help get tests into the hands of those who need them.

"Please only make an appointment if you are feeling sick or have been exposed to COVID-19," Rilling said in a news release. "Please don't make an appointment to stockpile test kits for 'what-if' scenarios. There is a limited supply, and we need to make sure they go to as many people as possible who need them now. I thank residents of their ongoing patience and for continuing to follow all COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. I am also grateful to the Norwalk Health Department Emergency Response Team volunteers and police, fire and emergency management personnel who will be on-site for this event."

To receive their kit, residents must show their appointment confirmation and provide proof of residency, such as a photo ID or recent piece of mail, when arriving at Veteran's Park. Those who arrive before or after their appointment time may be turned away, Morgan said.

There is a limit of two iHealth at-home COVID-19 test kits per household for a total of four tests, Morgan said. No masks will be available at this distribution event.

According to Morgan, approximately 5,700 at-home test kits, each containing two tests, will be distributed Sunday, which is the result of the allocation provided by the state.

Veteran's Park will be closed to the public until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Vehicles should enter the park through the west side entrance closest to the Stroffolino Bridge, Morgan said.

Two lanes of traffic will move through the park and volunteers will place test kits directly into a vehicle. Residents should not attempt to enter Veteran's Park early, as the gates will be locked, Morgan said.

Morgan also noted those without an appointment will be turned away and Norwalk police will be on site during the event. Sunday's event marks the city's second mass distribution of at-home COVID-19 test kits this month.

According to Morgan, nearly 8,000 single test kits were distributed to residents on Jan. 4 at Calf Pasture Beach Additionally, the city distributed tests to Norwalk first responders, those in congregate living facilities and those who are at greater risk of exposure and are most vulnerable.