Albuquerque distributes Covid-19 rapid test kits in vulnerable neighborhoods
ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque’s Office of Emergency Management has received 80,000 Covid-19 rapid test kits in an effort to increase access to free diagnostics and reduce the spread of the recent Omicron variant.
According to information from City Hall, these kits have begun to be distributed in the most socially vulnerable neighborhoods, focusing their efforts on seniors and medically high-risk individuals.
“We have all experienced how difficult it can be to find quick and accessible tests when we need them most. Testing is a critical piece of keeping people safe, which is why we are removing barriers to access that have historically put vulnerable groups at risk,” said Mayor Tim Keller.
The testing is part of the one million in-home tests that were requested by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the NMDOH from the federal government.
The City of Albuquerque’s Office of Equity and Inclusion has been working diligently with the Departments of Family and Community Services, Elder Affairs, Arts and Culture to develop a plan and distribution schedule.
The first sites to receive the test kits include health and social service centers, community centers, senior centers, multigenerational centers and public libraries in priority zip codes.
In addition to city-owned facilities, the kits will also be distributed through food pantries and to those receiving home visits from the Department of Elder Affairs. Community organizations.
The City indicated that self-testing remains one of several ways to reduce the spread of Covid-19, along with vaccination, receiving a booster dose, proper use of mouth covers and social distancing.
Home tests can be performed in 15 minutes, allowing people to know their Covid-19 status and act accordingly. The New Mexico Department of Health has also developed a web page for these diagnostics, which includes guidance on what to do for quarantine and isolation based on test results.
Source: MEXICONOW Staff