Sign-up for at-home test kits filled, no mask mandate expected

NEW CANAAN — Shortly after First Selectman Kevin Moynihan announced the distribution of over 2,600 at-home COVID-19 test kits on Wednesday afternoon, all of the registration slots were filled.

In an email blast to the town Wednesday, Moynihan explained the state had allocated only enough test kits “for a small percentage of the New Canaan population, so the target for these test kits are individuals and families who plan to attend holiday weekend gatherings,” he said. “Those planning to remain at home for the weekend should not seek tests in this distribution.”

The at-home tests will be limited to four per family. The tests were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for residents, using the same Sign-up Genius app the town has been using for community vaccination clinics.

On Wednesday evening, Moynihan said the state hoped to receive air delivery of the at-home test kits by 5 a.m. at Bradley Airport, north of Hartford, and the town to receive them Thursday morning in Fairfield. Once the town receives the kits, residents who have registered will pick them up via car at New Canaan High School.

Moynihan said if delivery to Bradley Airport is not received as expected, the first selectman will update residents Thursday at 8 a.m. on a new procedure.

The distribution on Thursday evening and the kits will be handed through the rear window. No walkups will be allowed and residents are asked not to bring pets in the car.

Gov. Ned Lamont and the State of Connecticut procured the kits for distribution to the public because the “demand for tests has outpaced the current supply for testing in many parts of the state,” Moynihan said.

In his update, the first selectman said that “the objective is to get test kits into the hands of families prior to the coming holiday weekend” to “help reduce the current surge in COVID-19 by allowing individuals to identify COVID-19 cases quickly and take steps to isolate appropriately.”

Those who get a positive test result are asked to stay at home, avoid attending gatherings and follow updated five-day CDC guidelines for isolation.

Twice-weekly testing at Irwin Park by the town and nearby pharmacies will continue into the new year.

“We urge all residents to use caution this holiday weekend and follow COVID protocols of wearing masks indoors, social distancing and avoiding large public gatherings where possible,” the Moynihan said.

While he urges residents to use their own discretion, Moynihan said earlier in the day that he is not expecting to need to mandate mask use in the village or in municipal buildings despite last week’s climb in positive cases to 255.