A program to distribute free rapid Covid-19 tests to Vermont households sold out in about five hours Wednesday.
Through a partnership with the National Institutes of Health, Vermont plans to distribute 500,000 rapid antigen tests to households in the state.
The first phase of the program offered 350,000 tests through an online portal that opened around 10 a.m. on Wednesday. By 2:45 p.m., all of the tests had been claimed, according to a statement from Gov. Phil Scott’s office.
“As expected, demand was very high and shows how much Vermonters understand the importance of testing as a way to protect their health and the people around them,” Scott said.
Registrants were able to order four tests at a time, with a limit of one order per household. Tests will be delivered within the next two weeks.
Scott said the initiative was intended as a pilot program that will inform future state and federal efforts to distribute tests directly to households.
“While we knew the limited supply would go quickly, this effort will help inform future decisions, as we continue to work to make testing as accessible as possible for all Vermonters,” Scott said.
High demand was apparent throughout the day Wednesday. Several users reported issues with the order form, which was hosted by the Say Yes! Covid Test initiative. An error message said the site was experiencing “exceptionally heavy demand” and suggested users wait an hour and try again. Several other Vermonters reported that the form rejected their mailing addresses.
The health department also responded to criticism on social media that the initiative excluded those without internet access.
The state is working on other ways to distribute rapid tests, one comment from the department said. “This was a test of one system with a limited supply,” the department wrote on Facebook. “We are working to get more kits into the state and will keep you informed on our progress.”