New Haven distributing 5,000 at-home COVID tests, masks next week

NEW HAVEN — The city is giving out 5,000 free, at-home COVID-19 tests and masks at the New Haven Free Public Library’s five branches next week.

These distribution events will take place on Monday and Thursday. New Haveners must present proof of residency in order to receive the test kits, the city said.

On Monday, residents can pick up masks and kits from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ives, Fair Haven, Stetson and Wilson libraries, and from noon to 2 p.m. at the Mitchell Library. Thursday’s distribution is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. at all five library branches.

While cases of severe illness from COVID have declined, “the uptick in cases associated with the highly transmissible BA.2 variant means we can’t let our guard down, especially amidst the recent relaxing of mask requirements,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “It’s critical that

New Haveners continue to have free and convenient access to COVID-19 tests so that they can protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors.”

In the past two weeks, New Haven has reported 469 new COVID cases at a rate of 25.7 cases per 100,000 people, according to state data.

New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond said it can be challenging at times to access test kits at pharmacies or go to testing sites.

“We hope having one of these rapid test kits at home will break down those barriers and provide for the early intervention we need to stop the spread of this virus, especially among those who are still unvaccinated, particularly children under age 5, the immunocompromised, or those otherwise at risk of contracting COVID-19,” Bond added.

Bond and Elicker will be at the Stetson Library at 10 a.m. Monday to help start the distribution event.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media At-home rapid COVID-19 tests are distributed in the parking lot of Sports Haven in New Haven on Jan. 6. The city has distributions organized for Monday and Thursday at all five of its public library branches.