Vernon Slates Virus Home Test Kit Distribution For Tuesday

VERNON, CT — The town of Vernon is planning to distribute coronavirus home test kits beginning at noon Tuesday at Henry Park.

Kits are available to Vernon residents only. Access to the park will be from South Street only.

Fewer than 2,000 test kits are available. Demand is far in excess of supply, town officials said. Distribution is intended for Vernon residents who have what town officials are terming, "an immediate need for testing because they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms."

Officials added, "We respectfully ask that people who do not fit these criteria allow those who do to obtain the test kits."

Test kit are limited to one to a person and a maximum of two per vehicle, based on need, and will be handed
out on a first come, first served basis, officials said.

N-95 masks will be distributed on separate day. Tuesday's distribution is for home test kits only. Anyone seeking a test kit must show identification to prove he or she is a Vernon resident, officials said.

"We want these test kits to get to residents who are seeking testing because they are symptomatic or have been
exposed to the virus," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "We are trying to halt community spread."

"If you do not have symptoms and do not believe you have been exposed, we urge you to wait until additional
testing opportunities become available," said Michael Purcaro, Vernon's town administrator and emergency
management director. “To stop the spread of COVID-19 we need to get these tests kits to people who have an
immediate need for testing because they are experiencing symptoms or have a known exposure.”

"There are three simple and effective public health interventions: vaccination, masking and testing,” said Patrice
Sulik, the sirector of the North Central District Health Department. "We encourage folks who have an immediate
need for testing, especially people who may have been directly exposed to someone who has COVID, to get one
of these tests."

Residents are being urged to carefully read the test kit directions. Information about the test kits and a video at:

• https://quickvueathome.com/

Residents can monitor the Town website, www.vernon-ct.gov, and town social media pages for additional testing and
vaccine clinic information.