Press Releases
09/27/2024
Connecticut Department of Public Health encourages residents to obtain free COVID-19 test kits that are now available
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 27, 2024
CONTACT: Chris Boyle—Director of Communications
(860) 706-9654 – christopher.boyle@ct.gov
HARTFORD, Conn.– On the eve of the colder fall and winter months, the US Government is once again providing U.S. residents with free at-home COVID-19 tests.
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response—an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—in collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service has reopened COVIDtests.gov so that households across the country can order four over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants. Clear instructions are included on how to verify extended expiration dates.
“These at-home tests are an important component of the COVID-19 toolbox that we have at our disposal,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “If you test positive, you have the opportunity to talk to your provider about getting treatment for COVID which could limit the severity of your illness. In addition to the at-home tests, people can stay healthy by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. All people 6 months and older are eligible to receive the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines. If you are sick with a fever or other symptoms, please stay home. Consider wearing a high-quality mask when respiratory viruses are circulating at high levels in your community and always practice good hand hygiene.”
Commissioner Juthani added that COVID-19 will likely be circulating at the same time as other respiratory illnesses this season including influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Respiratory disease season typically runs from October through April. Individuals are encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for the latest guidance.
Connecticut residents can contact their health care provider to receive the updated COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time or they can make an appointment at a retail pharmacy, such as CVS and Walgreens. Please visit www.vaccines.gov to find a location for COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
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