Distribution of at-home COVID test kits

 On Friday, December 17th, the Town accepted delivery of an allocation of 1,080  iHealth Labs rapid antigen self-tests purchased by the State. 

The tests can be completed by residents at home. Test results are available in 15 minutes and samples do not need to go to a laboratory.  People do not need a cell phone or computer for any part of the test.  The tests are for any individuals 2 years of age and up, regardless of vaccination status or whether they have symptoms. 

There is no mechanism with these tests to report results and test results do not need to be reported to public health.  However, people who test positive should isolate for 10 days and notify their close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.  If someone needs help with support resources to be able to safely isolate or quarantine, the website information will direct them to contact their health care provider or the local board of health.  The iHealth Labs OTC Rapid Antigen Test product insert:  https://www.fda.gov/media/153924/download 

More information on the test: https://ihealthlabs.com/pages/ihealth-covid-19-antigen-rapid-test-detail... Center for Disease Control’s self-testing page:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html/ 

After consultation with the Town’s nurse, and input from the Chairman of the Board of Health, today, the test kits are being distributed to Elder Services for home health care providers, the Housing Authority, all group homes, the West Boylston Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels Program recipients, and the Senior Center.  Seniors and residents with compromised immune systems will be given priority.  To pick up your kit, please call the senior center at 508.835.6916.

COVID-19 rapid tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, to reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19.