Mike D'Agostino

***Hamden Covid At-Home Test Kit Distribution Update*** We just received an update from the Town of Hamden that they will begin distributing rapid test kits to community partners TODAY, Monday January 3. Public access times may vary slightly at each distribution point. More details on distribution can be found below.

Hamden to Distribute COVID Self-Administered Rapid Tests

UPDATE: Hamden has received its initial allotment of COVID self- administered rapid tests.

This initial distribution is for Hamden residents. Tests will be limited to 1 kit per household. Each kit contains 1 FlowFlex test. Please be prepared to provide identification. A state ID or utility bill is sufficient. Please wear your mask.

Tests are best utilized when a person is symptomatic. An asymptomatic person may not have enough viral load for the test to register.

The State has asked that we give preference to vulnerable populations, which would be the elderly and those with comorbidities. The Town is distributing directly to limited elderly living facilities in addition to the public distribution sites below.

Tests will be available via drive thru until supplies run out to Hamden residents at the following locations:

Hamden Middle School
2623 Dixwell Ave
Today 1/3, 2pm-4pm

Keefe Community Center
Drive thru 11 Pine St or walk-up on Parking lot side on George St.
Today 1/3, 2pm-6pm

The Spring Glen Church, UCC
1825 Whitney Ave
Today 1/3, 5pm-8pm

Mt. Calvary Revival Center
450 West Todd St
Tuesday 1/4, 10am-3pm

Breakthrough Church
481 Shelton Ave
Tuesday 1/4, 10am-3pm

Hamden is scheduled to receive a shipment of N95 masks on Wednesday, January 5. Distribution to the public will follow. These masks, when worn properly, prevent the airborne spread of COVID. Please continue proper handwashing and maintain social distance when possible. The Omicron variant has proven to be very transmittable.

The current rate of infection is now over 20%. We believe that the speed at which Omicron is going through the nation and our community means that we will get through this quickly. We currently have many employees that have tested positive and many more will test positive. Please be patient and understand that services may suffer temporarily due to staffing shortages.

Please get vaccinated. Get boosted. 70% of the people hospitalized are not fully vaccinated. We know that the vaccine provides the best protection against the severe symptoms of COVID.

For further information, please contact Acting Deputy Chief of Staff, Alexa M. Panayotakis, at (203) 287-7009 or by email at apanayotakis@hamden.com.