Genesee County distributing at-home Covid tests at town and village halls

Posted 22 January 2022 at 9:42 am

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

Genesee County has received 2,580 free Covid-19 test kits from New York State to distribute to Genesee County residents.

Starting the week of January 24, test kits will be available at town, village, and city municipal buildings during their regular business hours, while supplies last.

Residents should contact their local municipality for details of when the municipal building is open and the availability of test kits. A maximum of two kits (four tests) per family will be distributed and attendees will be required to show proof of Genesee County residency in order to receive kits. The following locations will have a limited supply of Covid-19 test kits:

  • Town of Alabama
  • Town of Alexander
  • Town of Batavia
  • Town of Bergen
  • Town of Bethany
  • Town of Byron
  • Town of Darien
  • Town of Elba
  • Town of LeRoy
  • Town of Oakfield
  • Town of Pavilion
  • Town of Pembroke
  • Town of Stafford
  • Village of Alexander
  • Village of Bergen
  • Village of Corfu
  • Village of Elba
  • Village of LeRoy
  • Village of Oakfield
  • Batavia City Hall, Clerks Office

“Residents should use at-home Covid-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with Covid-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of Covid-19,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans counties. “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of Covid-19.”

Albion testing site at GCC campus: For Free PCR and rapid testing, you can go to the NYS Covid-19 Testing site located at GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue, Albion. Walk-ins and registration allowed Monday through Saturday. To register, click here.

To report a positive at-home test: Individuals can visit the GO Health website Covid-19 Testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county.

Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test.

Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results.

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result).

It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days.

If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (Covid-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Residents can sign up for an upcoming Covid-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or pediatric dose at the GO Health website.