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CITY OF NEW HAVEN TO DISTRIBUTE 5000 FREE AT-HOME RAPID TEST KITS AND MASKS AT ALL CITY LIBRARIES ON MONDAY AND THURSDAY

*** CORRECTION: On Thursday, April 28^th, the distribution time for free COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits and masks will be 12 noon to 2 PM at all New Haven public libraries. (The previous media advisory stated the time incorrectly in one location.

Mayor Elicker & Health Director Bond to kick-off and assist with test kit distribution at the Stetson Library on Monday at 10 am

NEW HAVEN, CT – The City of New Haven with distribute 5,000 free COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits and masks during two citywide distribution events occurring at all five branches of the New Haven Free Public Library on Monday, April 25^th and Thursday, April 28^th. Mayor Justin Elicker and Health Director Maritza Bond will help kick-off and assist with the distribution of the test kits and masks at the Stetson Branch (197 Dixwell Ave) on Monday at 10 AM.

On Monday, distribution will take place between 10 AM to 12 PM at the Ives, Fair Haven, Stetson and Wilson Libraries, and between 12 PM to 2 PM at the Mitchell Library. Thursday’s distribution is scheduled between 12 to 2 PM at five library branches. New Haveners must present proof of residency in order to receive the test kits.

“While cases of severe illness are down, 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. We’re glad that these 5,000 free at-home rapid test kits can be made available to New Haven residents at our public libraries.”

“We know it can be challenging at times to access test kits at a pharmacy or get to a testing site at the first sign of symptoms or when exposure to someone testing positive is suspected,” said New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond. “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.”

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