MONROE, CT — Medical Reserve Corps and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers joined town police officers and First Selectman Ken Kellogg in distributing free COVID-19 test kits in a drive-thru setup outside Jockey Hollow Middle School Saturday afternoon.
It was restricted to Monroe residents and no more than two kits per vehicle were handed out on a first come, first served basis from 1 to 4 p.m. However, Police Capt. Keith White said all 2,800 test kits were picked up by residents a half hour early.
“We were out at 3:30 p.m. and had counted it so everyone in the lot was able to obtain a kit,” White said.
Kellogg said the primary objective was to provide testing for residents who were unable to find an alternative testing location and have a known exposure or who are symptomatic.
In a press release issued Saturday morning, he said, “as I’m sure you are aware, case rates are at an all-time high throughout the State. Monroe is averaging 18 new cases per day. Please remain vigilant. Masking indoors when in public is strongly encouraged. Getting fully vaccinated, and boosted, remains very effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalization.”
