Based on my December 15 post questioning why high-income Weston was allotted free at-home Covid tests, the Owl sent a note over to Town Hall asking for more information. You can read the post here–Weston was one of 102 communities given these free tests for its low-income residents. Town Manager Leon Gaumond answered that he would provide more information — which he did through Weston’s new Public Information Officer, Anthony Senesi today. The Owl will be stalking Mr. Senesi until he grants the Owl an interview in 2022 because that is what owls do.

Anyway, here is the statement from Weston officials:

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On Monday, December 13, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker announced the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has secured 2.1 million iHealth Labs over the counter (OTC) at-home rapid antigen tests.

On Thursday, December 16, 2021, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the Massachusetts National Guard distributed 2,070 tests kits to the Town of Weston.

The Town’s municipal departments, with expertise in testing logistics, will determine how best to distribute the tests with an emphasis on access for individuals and families who are facing financial hardship. In accordance with State guidelines, the Town will distribute tests to members of the public in our community.

For more information, please contact the Weston Board of Health 781-786-5033 or see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-self-test-distribution#how-communities-were-selected-

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I may never understand how Weston was selected, but we were. Maybe I’ll call Governor Baker over the weekend–he is a fellow Kellogg alum and always picks up the phone when I call. That is a joke. In any case, here’s hoping the tests get to those who most need them.