City will announce distribution sites for free KN95 masks on Wednesday
Syracuse, N.Y. – The City of Syracuse will distribute its initial allotment of approximately 2,700 at-home COVID-19 testing kits to residents of Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) properties and to participants in City Parks community programs beginning Wednesday, December 29. Onondaga County made the supply of two-test kits, provided by New York State, available Tuesday afternoon.
“Our focus is getting these test kits out as rapidly as possible to vulnerable city residents who may have a difficult time accessing at-home test kits. As we approach the New Year, another time people will likely be gathering, testing is one of the ways we can reduce the risk of COVID-19 to our community,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “I’m grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon for coordinating this large-scale distribution of supplies that will help keep our community safe. It is by working together and taking care of one another that we can get through the increase in cases in the coming weeks.”
At-home tests kits will be distributed by SHA directly to residents of its more than 20 properties. City Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs staff will distribute kits to families and individuals participating in its community programming at six sites citywide: Schiller Park, Magnarelli Community Center, Kirk Park, Cecile Community Center, Wilson Park and Westmoreland Park.
New York State has told municipal leaders that this is the first shipment of free at-home test kits and masks and to expect additional supplies in the weeks ahead. The City will announce future public distributions, which are expected to include walk-up options at neighborhood community centers, public libraries and area churches, when information is available.
The City will also be distributing free KN95 masks from the state at multiple public sites. Locations throughout the City will be announced on Wednesday.
