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COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits for New Haven residents and businesses. Por favor, espere para poder escuchar este mensaje en español.

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 31^st, between 9 am and 11 am, New Haven residents and businesses can pick up free COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits at the New Haven Regional Fire Training Academy at 230 Ella T. Grasso Blvd in New Haven.  Residents must present proof of residency to receive test kits. 

Each vehicle will receive 5 boxes containing 2 tests each. Please note, the test kits have an expiration date of Jan. 23, 2023. As we begin to return to work and school in the new year, it is important that we remain vigilant about stopping the spread of COVID -19 by testing when experiencing symptoms. So, please take advantage of these free COVID-19 tests and make sure you are fully vaccinated.  For vaccine information visit nhvvax.org or call +1 (203) 946-6999. 

Individuals with disabilities who are homebound or who are unable to pick up a test kit due to a disability, should contact the Office of Services for Persons with Disabilities at 203-946-7651.

Stay healthy and stay safe, New Haven.

City of New Haven cold weather protocol

The National Weather Service is forecasting significant rain, high winds and freezing temperatures for our region. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are expected, and coastal flooding is likely is some of the city’s low-lying areas, which may cause road closures. Then, beginning Friday afternoon and through the weekend, overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the teens and, with the wind chill factor, into the single digits.  

The City has activated its severe cold weather protocols and I wanted to pass along a few quick safety tips for residents:  

1. Make sure to fully charge your cell phones and critical electronic and medical devices in preparation for a potential power outage; 

1. Drive with caution and, if possible, adjust your travel times, if you are traveling for the holidays. The rain followed by freezing temperatures may result in icy roads. 

1. Do not drive through flooded roadways – instead, turn around and choose a different route.  

1. Check in on your family, friends and neighbors. 

1. Call 9-1-1 for any storm-related emergencies. 

Our walk-in winter Warming Centers will be open 24 hours a day beginning Friday 6pm. The list of warming centers can be found on the city's website: newhavenct.gov or by calling 211. 

Most importantly, for kids in New Haven expecting a visit by Santa, know that -- no matter what -- that no winter storm can stop Santa Claus. Santa is still on his way and Santa is still coming to town. Happy Holidays!  

Governor Lamont Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocol From Friday to Monday

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that based on a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut may experience below-zero wind chills over the weekend, he will be activating the state’s severe cold weather protocol beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2022, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 26, 2022. This is the first time the protocol is being enacted during the 2022-2023 winter season.

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have an interesting set of weather conditions coming to our area over the next several days, first with a storm on Friday during the daytime that has the potential for heavy rain and very strong wind gusts, and then that will be followed by plummeting temperatures that night and remaining throughout the Christmas weekend, particularly during the evening hours,” Governor Lamont said. “This is the first time this season that we will have a stretch of frigid temperatures this low, and we want to remind everyone that shelters are available throughout Connecticut. Anyone in need can call 2-1-1 to get connected to a nearby location, and they can even provide transportation if necessary.”

The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:

• The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
• The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT!! JANUARY 21st, Providence's MICHAEL "BLING BLING" VALENTIN (7-1-1) vs. Brockton's KEVIN WALSH (6-0) at CES Boxing "WINTER BRAWL" at Mohegan Sun Arena. TICKETS AVAILABLE THIS WEEKEND!!!