Erie County Legislator Chris Greene 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 Greene said, “I strongly believe that a countywide testing program would be a helpful tool in fighting COVID-19 throughout our community. This resolution would establish 15 testing centers throughout Erie County so residents can easily pick up a rapid test and know if it is safe to attend gatherings through the holidays and into the new year. We have a sizable surplus fund right now and this would be an appropriate use for it.”

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.