Naugatuck Valley HD Launches Coronavirus Reporting Webpage

NAUGATUCK VALLEY, CT — The Naugatuck Valley Health District has created an online method of confidential, individual coronavirus reporting specifically for the Valley community, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour and Shelton.

Called "NVHD Positive COVID-19 Home Test Self-Reporting Tool," it allows residents to voluntarily report a positive result from an FDA-approved At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test.

"Participation in this survey is confidential and voluntary," officials wrote in the announcement. "We ask that you ONLY utilize this method if you, or your child (minor under 18 years old), have tested positive using a home test."

With COVID-19 home tests easily accessible, many of those test results are no longer being reported, which prompted the creation of the webpage, officials said. Home tests differ from tests conducted at a doctor's office or a test site, because those results are reported to the Department of Public Health and Naugatuck Valley Health District.

"Due to home tests not being reported to the state and local health departments, we are now noticing a difference in our data and case rates, not only within the state of Connecticut but also in the Valley," officials said.

The link to the reporting page is here: https://forms.office.com/r/HRKcY2JkVT.

"These confidential reports will help NVHD establish a more accurate understanding of COVID-19 case rates within the Valley," officials said. "The ultimate goal of this effort is to help you; the more data we have on the positivity rate, the more we are able to provide the necessary guidance, support, and education to help our residents slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community."

For questions regarding the COVID-19 Home Test Self-Reporting Tool, contact the Naugatuck Valley Health District at 203-881-3255 ext. 116. If you tested positive for COVID-19 and are in need of guidance, take advantage of the reporting tool and request that an NVHD Contact Tracer calls you in order to provide further assistance. If you have general COVID-19 questions, use ext. 116/118 or call our hotline 475-675-5733 for after-hours notifications.

"Please be aware, we are doing our best to contact everyone and ask that you give us 1-2 business days to contact you or return your call," officials said.