UPDATE (3:30 pm, December 29): The Newtown Bee has learned that all available pickup appointments for the test kits have been filled.

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After further review and consideration of possible distribution challenges involving a “first come first served” drive-up plan announced one day earlier, Newtown Emergency Management officials have pivoted to a system that will require online registration for qualified residents to receive up to two free COVID-19 test kits on Friday, December 31.

The distribution of thousands of in-home COVID-19 test kits to Newtown residents is part of an ambitious statewide program aiming to distribute millions of the kits statewide, along with millions more N95 masks. Distribution of Newtown’s mask allocation will be handled separately in the coming weeks.

According to an updated notice issued to The Newtown Bee Wednesday morning, Newtown is scheduled to receive approximately 3,400 COVID-19 test kits containing two tests in each kit.

The purpose of this distribution is to provide test kits to be used this week to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant and to supplement existing testing.

Primary focus is on the members of the public who have interacted with or who intend to interact with others whose COVID status may be unknown, the release states. Additional tests will be provided to school districts in early January.

To sign up and register to obtain up to two test kits visit the town website www.newtown-ct.gov or CLICK HERE.

Each household can receive a maximum of two kits. Each kit has two tests in it for a total of four tests per household.

If a resident only needs one test kit, officials ask that they please only take one. Anyone attempting to make duplicate pick-up appointments will have both appointments canceled.

With a confirmed appointment, test kits will be distributed on Friday, December 31, from 10 am to 2 pm, at Reed Intermediate School, 3 Trades Lane. Those scheduled for a pick-up should report to the rear entrance/bus driveway. Access will be by following Trades Lane (past the school’s front entrance driveway) and then turning left onto Old Farm Road.

There will be signs and personnel to assist qualified residents. Proof of residency and a confirmed appointment will be required.

Residents must have a printed e-mail confirmation and ID ready upon arrival at the distribution site. Residents should only arrive during their scheduled time slot. Tests will be distributed to registrants in their car. Friday will be a drive-through distribution.

Newtown Emergency Management personnel look forward to distributing kits to residents, and acknowledge the fact that there are not enough kits for every resident in Town.

“We understand that this may prove to be challenging, as all things Covid-19-related tend to be,” the release states. “We will continue to communicate updates regarding future distributions of test kits and masks as details develop and become available.”

Anyone without a valid Newtown ID showing residency and an appointment confirmation will not receive test kits. Officials are asking whomever is picking up the test kits to have proper identification to prove they are Newtown residents.

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Editor John Voket can be reached at editor@thebee.com.