MASSACHUSETTS — State officials will send a fresh supply of rapid COVID-19 tests to cities, towns and food banks across the state this fall, part of a wider plan to provide Massachusetts residents with the "tools needed to manage COVID-19."

Gov. Charlie Baker and state health officials said this week 3.5 million rapid tests will soon be sent to municipalities across the state, plus another 1.5 million tests to food banks. The state will also offer surgical and KN95 masks to communities that want it.

"Rapid tests, along with other resources like vaccines, boosters and treatments, provide residents with the tools they need to manage COVID-19," Baker said in a news release.

COVID-19 is still circulating widely in Massachusetts. In the state's last update, health officials counted nearly 8,000 new cases and 49 deaths over the week ending Sept. 1.

Over the past 10 months, the state has handed out about 25 million rapid tests to municipalities, nonprofits and schools. The last round of 2 million tests came in the spring during a virus surge.

Rapid tests use a nasal swab to identify COVID-19 in the body and typically take up to 15 minutes to return results.

"Taking an at-home test is part of the steps that individuals can take — including staying up to date on vaccines, staying home when sick, and wearing masks as needed — to protect themselves and reduce the spread of COVID-19," Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders said in a news release.

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