Norwalk, CT – On Tuesday, January 4, 2022, the city of Norwalk will be distributing free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests to residents at Calf Pasture Beach beginning at 6 p.m. The drive-thru distribution event is first come, first serve, and runs until 9 p.m., but may end sooner if supplies run out. Proof of Norwalk residency is required and there will be a limit of two tests per household. Additionally, N95 and KN95 masks will be available with a limit of four per household.
The beach will be closed to the public all day on January 4. Motorists seeking free at-home tests must enter from Beach Road. Any motorist attempting to enter from Canfield Avenue will be turned around and directed to Beach Road. Residents should not attempt to enter the beach early, as the gates will be locked until 5 p.m. Please do not drive around the area as this will impact the safe arrival and dismissal of Marvin School. Norwalk Police Officers will be on site all day to ensure vehicles are not parking in neighborhoods and surrounding areas.
“The demand for testing is at unprecedented levels as the Omicron variant sweeps through our community. Please, only seek a test if you have known exposure to or symptoms of COVID-19. Testing should not be used as a general screening tool since the supply cannot meet the demand,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry W. Rilling. “Given the number of tests we’ve received from the state, there is unfortunately no way we can reach every household. I share in the frustration that 22 months into this pandemic we do not have adequate testing resources. I, along with our state delegation, continue to advocate for more resources for our community.”
This distribution was rescheduled from last week after an order of tests by the state of Connecticut did not arrive as planned. Originally, Norwalk was set to receive more than 11,000 test kits – each of which contained two tests. Now, the city received 13,500 single test kits – almost half of what was originally allocated. Of the 13,500 tests, Norwalk will be distributing approximately 8,500 to the general public at the beach on January 4. The remaining tests are being distributed to Norwalk first responders, those in congregate living facilities and who are greater risk of exposure and are the most vulnerable.
When residents arrive to Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk Police Officers and Norwalk Health Department Emergency Response Team volunteers will be on site to ensure distribution runs smoothly. Residents must remain in their cars and wear a face mask. They will also be required to provide proof of residency, such as a photo ID, recent utility bill, or Norwalk beach pass. There will be a limit of two tests and four masks per vehicle. A postcard developed by the Norwalk Health Department will be distributed with the tests, and residents can scan the QR code with their phone or visit norwalkct.org/selfreport to report test results.
For the latest news on COVID-19 vaccines and testing in Norwalk, visit norwalkct.org/citynews.
