CONWAY — As more residents seek the “peace of mind” of negative COVID-19 tests, the Selectboard is planning to order an additional 410 test kits, containing two tests each, from the state for distribution to residents, with potentially more on the way.
After ordering 92 test kits last month, the board voted at Monday’s meeting to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to meet the rising demand of residents seeking test kits as testing appointment slots around Franklin County continue to be booked for days at a time.
“We’ve all heard a sort of overwhelming demand from people in town. … They deserve to have that peace of mind,” said Selectboard Chair Philip Kantor. “We’re purchasing it with ARPA money so it’s not going to be on town assessments or taxpayers.”
The additional 410 test kits will help the town shore up its stockpile to approximately 1,000 tests, which is more than half the town’s population of 1,761 residents.
The push for more tests comes as the Franklin County COVID-19 case load to start 2022 is nearly four times higher than any other period in 2021, according to data from the state Department of Public Health. A Conway Board of Health update from Jan. 10 states there are currently 19 positive cases in town.
Even as the town plans to order the additional kits, Town Administrator Veronique Blanchard said Conway has yet to receive its initial order of 92 test kits.
“They were supposed to be delivered Monday,” Blanchard said. “The company said they haven’t even received them yet. … They’re absolutely swamped themselves.”
Kantor noted the town has seen the price of test kits vary as it all depends on when they’re ordered.
“We’re constantly checking those quotes,” Kantor said. “It’s like watching the stock market.”
Blanchard said the initial order of test kits started at $6.25, and then when she went to officially place the order, the price had risen to $8.
As for distributing the tests once they arrive, Board of Health Clerk Laurie Lucier said the town has yet to formulate a concrete plan.
Kantor said town officials have been trying to “solicit guidance” so they can have a distribution plan in place when the shipment arrives. He said the Board of Health has some guidance on how to give tests to town employees, at-risk residents and home-bound individuals, but not for the “average, middle-of-the-road person.”
“We’re still waiting on guidance,” Kantor said. “To what extent, and how can we be permitted to get them into the hands of our neighbors and friends.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.