2.5K COVID-19 Testing Kits To Be Given Out Across Town

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — As coronavirus positivity rate continues to drop in New York — the rate stood at 2.28 percent statewide Monday and at 3.56 percent on Long Island, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul — Southampton Town continued in its efforts to keep residents safe, announcing the distribution of 2.5K at-home testing kits.

The kits will be distributed throughout the town over the next two weeks by Southampton Town's department of public safety and emergency management, officials said.

The kits were provided through a collaboration with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s office, and will be distributed through partnerships with the villages within Southampton Town, community organizations, and at local pop-up distribution sites, town officials said.

The town will distribute rapid test kits, each with two tests. The tests are conducted using nasal swabs and a procedure that is similar to what many people have experienced over the last few years when getting tested at different sites, officials said. Results from the tests will be available in 10 minutes and there are instructions and a mobile application to guide users through the process.

Those in need can obtain up to two kits per household on a first-come, first-served basis at
the following locations from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the following dates:

February 23: The Bridgehampton Community Center
February 24: Southampton Town Hall
February 28: The Hampton Bays Community Center

On each of the dates specified, 100 test kits will be available from 10 a.m. to noon; another 100 test kits will be available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Test kits are free and will only be available while supplies last.

"The COVID-19 virus has had devastating health and economic effects on the community," town officials said in a release. "Curtailing spread of the virus will keep our residents safe, and allow businesses and schools to remain open. These at-home test kits can be part of that solution, but stopping the spread of COVID-19 continues to require a whole community approach."

Added Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman: “We are very happy to be able to get these test kits into the hands of our residents as part of the effort to try to keep Southampton safe."

Free test kits also continue to be available here for any individuals unable to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the town.