Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro 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 Todaro said, “When Erie County was one of the only counties in New York State with a mask mandate, our COVID-19 positivity numbers were still rising. Free, rapid COVID-19 testing kits with accessible distribution centers would help residents determine whether or not they are able to socialize or go to work. I hope the administration will give serious consideration to this request as we are still in the fight against COVID-19.”

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.