Dutchess County to Distribute Thousands of Additional Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Three large-scale distribution sites established throughout Dutchess County beginning next week
Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced today the County has received additional at-home COVID-19 test kits and will be distributing approximately 10,000 kits next week to residents, free of charge, at mass-distribution sites in northern, eastern and central Dutchess County. The County has purchased thousands of at-home test kits, in addition to the continuing allocations from New York State, to be able to expand access to test kits and supplement the distributions that the County has passed along to every local municipality based on population since December. As shipments are received, additional dates will be announced over the next few weeks.
County Executive Molinaro said, “Dutchess County has made an investment in residents’ health, safety and peace of mind by purchasing thousands more at-home test kits so residents can test for COVID-19 in the comfort of their own home and begin isolation immediately, if they receive a positive result. We appreciate New York State’s allocations of test kits to counties, and Dutchess County has made the decision to get more tests into the hands of even more local residents who need them. This is a massive undertaking, continuing our efforts to protect our residents, and Dutchess County is proud to make these vital tests available to as many in our community as possible.”
Each test kit includes two individual tests and are available for Dutchess County residents only. Next week, test kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the following distribution sites:
Sunday, January 23rd from 10 a.m. to Noon
Former JCPenney site (Poughkeepsie Galleria), lower level
2001 South Road, Poughkeepsie
Walk up distribution. Limit of two kits per family
Wednesday, January 26th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Dover High School
2368 Route 22, Dover Plains
Drive thru distribution. Limit of two kits per vehicle
Friday, January 28th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
6626 Route 9, Rhinebeck
Drive thru distribution. Limit of two kits per vehicle
All dates and times are subject to change, depending on weather and/or test kit shipment availability, and residents are encouraged to check the County’s website, dutchessny.gov, or Facebook page, prior to arrival. Based on the recent demand for COVID-19 testing in all forms, including at-home tests, residents should expect to experience wait times when they arrive at the distribution location of their choice. Supplies are limited and may be exhausted prior to the scheduled end time. Updates will be posted on the County’s Facebook page when supplies run out.
County Executive Molinaro said, “We have established these three main points of distribution, strategically placed them throughout Dutchess County, and varied their days and times of operation to ensure residents have ample opportunity to receive their at-home test kits in a safe and orderly manner. Residents’ health and safety is our top priority, and we are deploying staff and resources from several County departments to make the distribution process orderly, efficient and effective. We also thank our community partners for their help in making this endeavor successful – just the latest example of Dutchess County uniting during these challenging times.”
This distribution at the three sites involves coordinated preparation and participation of staff from the following County entities:
- Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health
- Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response
- Dutchess County of Public Works
- Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development
- Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office
- Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County
Residents who receive a positive result from any 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 at
An informational flyer, outlining how residents are to report a positive result from an at-home test, will accompany each test kit that is distributed.
The upcoming mass distribution of test kits is just Dutchess County’s latest effort to broaden testing eligibility and vaccination access. Last week, for example, County Executive Molinaro announced expanded COVID-19 testing and vaccination opportunities at the County’s site at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. Both PCR and rapid antigen tests are available to residents, with no out-of-pocket cost to residents for either of these testing options. County Executive Molinaro also announced today upcoming COVID-19 testing as well as vaccination opportunities at its eastern Dutchess location at the former CVS, located at 3081 Route 22 in Dover Plain that begin next week.
Residents can find comprehensive information about COVID-19, including testing, vaccinations, prevention and more, at DutchessNY.gov/Coronavirus or by calling the COVID information line at 845-486-3555.
