Erie County Legislator John Mills has introduced a resolution urging the County Executive to immediately purchase additional COVID-19 tests and ramp up testing efforts throughout the County. The testing program is being proposed in place of additional mandates and restrictions from the County Executive.

The resolution references efforts in Monroe County, where free 750,000 at-home tests are being distributed to residents. Easy access to testing would allow individuals to know whether or not they are carrying the virus before attending social events or family gatherings.

Legislator Mills said, “People will be more likely to get themselves and their children tested if tests are widely available. The County Executive and Health Department need to consider this if we are serious about stopping the spread of COVID-19. I look forward to discussing this resolution with my colleagues and hope we can quickly move forward to establish a testing program.”

Erie County would be required to establish a minimum of 15 distribution centers situated throughout the county based on population. Each resident would be allowed to pick up one free testing kit in the first 30 days.

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.