Update: Municipal Distribution of COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits

Governor Lamont issued the following statement last night:

“Due to shipping and warehouse delays outside of the State of Connecticut’s control, our state’s anticipated shipment of COVID-19 at-home rapid tests is currently delayed from arriving in Connecticut…”

So far as we know the shipment of test kits purchased by the State of Connecticut is still in California.  The Deep River team is ready to pick up and organize distribution whenever the kits become available. Once we have the kits in our possession, we will communicate using our website with updated information. Thank you for your patience as we await the arrival of the kits.

Additional information:

The first allocation will include approximately 600 test kits for Deep River, each containing two tests, and will be designated for Deep River residents only. We will not have enough tests for everyone, so if you do not need one NOW, please wait a few days.  More tests will be coming to the state and to the stores, and testing sites are being set up in our area and will be running soon.

While waiting for more information from the state about the arrival of the tests, please make sure you read all of the information below.

Each kit is intended for one person, with two tests included. If the first test is negative, the second test should be used for a re-test 2-3 days later. This initiative is intended to allow residents with symptoms or who have had potential recent exposure to test at home in order to make wise decisions about outings or other planned activities.

If you have children in the Deep River/Region 4 school system, please note that the schools will also be distributing test kits in early January and will continue through the school year as supplies last.

As our allocation is limited, we ask that you use the following guidance to determine if you need a test kit:

When considering whether or not to pick up a test kit, please use the following guidance:

Yes -

If you have minor symptoms of a cold or have been in a group setting that may have exposed you to COVID-19.

If you know that you have encountered someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past week.

No -

If you have held to your normal routine and have only associated with your normal cohort of people.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks.

This initiative also will include the distribution of N95 masks in the next week or two. Information about the distribution of N95 masks will be available on our website as soon as details are finalized.

Testing is not intended to be a substitute for vaccination, masking, hand washing and other safeguards from infection.  COVID-19 is very contagious; please keep your family and friends in mind as you celebrate this weekend.

Be well, be nice, peace

Angus