POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County has received another limited supply of at-home COVID-19 test kits from the state which have been distributed to each municipality based on population size as well as to select community organizations that serve underserved populations.
Municipalities will be distributing test kits to residents over the next few days and residents should check their municipality’s website or call for specific information about when and where test kits will be available for pick up.
County Executive Marc Molinaro said testing facilities across the county “have seen exponential growth in the number of residents seeking a COVID-19 test. These at-home test kits are a critical step towards increasing access to testing within our community as we continue to combat the surge in COVID-19 cases following the busy holiday season.”
To obtain a test kit, residents must supply their municipality with proof of residency. Residents may only get the free test kits from the municipality in which they reside (you cannot go to a different town to get a kit). As supply continues to be limited, each household can receive one test kit, which includes two individual tests. Kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and residents who previously received a free kit are asked to allow others who were unable to get a kit to get one. While supplies are limited, distribution from the state is expected to be recurring and the county will continue to work with local municipalities to distribute test kits as they are received.
Residents who receive a positive result from an at-home COVID-19 test must:
- Immediately self-isolate, even if they are vaccinated; adhere to current quarantine guidance; and
- take a picture of the positive at-home test result within 24 hours and report the positive case to the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) at www.dutchessny.gov/COVIDpositive
With high active case volume, contract tracers may not be able to contact people in a timely manner, so residents are advised to follow isolation protocols for their quarantine period. If a resident’s symptoms worsen or they have trouble breathing following a positive result from an at-home test, they should consult their physician or dial 9-1-1
