Woodstock COVID-19 Test and Mask Distribution Events
UPDATE: January 12, 2022 5:00 pm
All 75 COVID rapid test kits that were leftover from our Saturday distribution have been given out or are pending pick-up. If we receive another shipment, we will post distribution information on our website, Facebook, and WINY. Thank you.
The Town of Woodstock held two drive through COVID-19 rapid test kit and N95 mask distribution events Tuesday January 4th which started at 4 pm until tests ran out, and Saturday January 8th from noon to 2 pm. Approximately 330 test kits were given out at the first event, and 375 at the second event. In addition, 150 kits and masks were distributed to Su Connor, Woodstock Agent for the Elderly. The Woodstock Fire Departments and EMS received a similar amount. Woodstock schools received 700 tests from the state; the town shared their allocation of masks with the Woodstock Public School System, Woodstock Academy, and Woodstock childcare centers.
The test kits and masks came from the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. When notified of availability, Woodstock Emergency Management Director David Elliot drove to pick them up from the regional distribution center. Turnaround time from delivery to handing them out was approximately 24-48 hours in order to get test kits to residents as quickly as possible.
With the help of constables and volunteers both events ran smoothly, with residents entering through the Bentley Athletic Complex, then proceeding to show identification and obtain tests and masks before exiting at the Town Hall. The Muddy Brook Fire Department was on hand with a heavy rescue truck to provide additional light during the Tuesday night distribution.
“Our Constables, Emergency Management, Fire Marshal, and Fire Departments worked as a team with town employees, the Woodstock Academy, and volunteers to make both events a success. I’m grateful for their hard work and professionalism, and for the opportunity to provide tests and masks to our residents,” said First Selectman Jay Swan. “Members of the Board of Selectmen were on hand at both events handing out supplies.”
Chief Constable Stewart Morse added, “It is a testimony to the employees of the town that they were able to organize these events on such short notice.”
There are a small amount of test kits and masks still available, with a limit of one test kit per family. If you are a Woodstock resident who was unable to make the distribution events, please call the town hall at 860-928-0208 ext. 336.
The town website, town Facebook page, and WINY were used to help get the word out about these events. Citizens are reminded they can sign up for Town News and Announcements at https://www.woodstockct.gov/subscribe and like and follow the Town of Woodstock CT Facebook page to receive the most up-to-date news and information.