Wilton Doesn't Offer Asymptomatic Coronavirus Testing. Here's Why

WILTON, CT — In her daily update on all matters coronavirus-related, First Selectman Lynne Vanderslice noted that residents have asked why Wilton doesn't offer resident diagnostic or asymptomatic coronavirus testing. She offered these reasons:

• Testing is readily available, even without a doctor’s order.
• 11.7 percent of Wilton residents have been tested. This rate is similar to neighboring towns performing regular or periodic resident testing, such as New Canaan at 10.3 percent, Darien at 11.3 percent and Ridgefield 12.2 percent.
• Testing requires town resources. With testing readily available, resources are better dedicated to other priorities, rather than replicating what is already privately available.
• Asymptomatic testing is only meaningful if performed on a regular basis, generally every 14 days. Within Connecticut and nationwide there isn't lab capacity to support regular asymptomatic testing of the general population. With increased national demand for diagnostic testing, asymptomatic capacity has decreased.

Overall, there have been 2,154 Wilton residents tested for COVID-19, 1,004 since June 16 and 1,404 since May 19. The death toll from the virus in town is 41, unchanged since June 16 and 4 additional since May 19.

Statewide, the trend of keeping the positive coronavirus test rate below 1 percent has continued its trend, but eight new deaths were reported Wednesday. Hospitalizations increased by one patient to 67. The number of people who have contracted the coronavirus in the state hit 47,636 and 4,380 people have died.