At-Home COVID Test Kits To Be Distributed In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Town officials plan to distribute at-home coronavirus test kits to Westport residents during an event Thursday as the state continues to grapple with the omicron variant of the virus.

In a news release Tuesday, First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker said the state has procured a substantial number of at-home test kits and will be distributing them to local communities. Westport officials plan to take delivery of the town's allotment this week and distribute them immediately.

According to Tooker, test kits will be distributed to residents Thursday at Staples High School at 1 p.m. As there are a limited number of kits available, the town will provide two kits per vehicle on a first come, first served basis, Tooker said.

Tooker also noted the state will be distributing N95 masks as early as next week, which will be available to the public. State officials stress that details of the distribution of the N95 masks are still being finalized and are subject to change.

See also: Daily COVID-19 Positivity Rate Highest It Has Been In CT

Those wishing to receive at-home test kits should drive to Staples using the main entrance on North Avenue. Vehicles can drive up to the point of distribution, where an attendant will provide the test kits.

"We ask that you remain in your vehicles while waiting and be prepared to show your driver's license to the attendant who greets you," Tooker said in a news release. "Once you receive your kits, we ask that you leave the point of distribution to relieve traffic congestion around the high school."

Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani said she strongly encourages residents to limit gathering sizes during the New Year's holiday week.

"Because of the scarcity of these kits," Juthani said in a news release, "I am asking the residents of our state to please take only the kits that you need for your immediate family so that we can distribute as many as possible to help flatten the Omicron curve."

Per the newest CDC recommendations, any resident whose self-test yields a positive result is asked to stay home or isolate for five days, if asymptomatic, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others. There is no need to obtain a follow up PCR test, Tooker said.

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, Tooker emphasized.

The latest CDC guidelines can be found here.

Families with children attending the Westport Public Schools are asked to report positive coronavirus cases of students using the district's reporting voicemail or email. More information on reporting can be found here.

Tooker also noted it is not necessary to report positive results from at-home testing to the Westport Weston Health District.

"We urge our residents to remain cautious and safe to protect yourselves, your families and your neighbors," Tooker said. "Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of the Westport Community."