Gov. Ned Lamont announced plans Monday to distribute 3 million COVID-19 at-home rapid tests and 6 million N95 masks to Connecticut residents to help stop the spread of the Omicron variant.

Lamont says 500,000 iHealth kits, which contain two tests each, are being designated for the public. Distribution of these kits and the N95 masks will begin on Dec. 30.

Another 1 million kits and supply of masks will be distributed to K-12 schools statewide and continue throughout the school year as supplies last. More details on the distribution of tests for schools will be announced in early January.

The total cost of the 3 million tests is approximately $18.5 million and is being funded through federal funds.

“Connecticut is currently experiencing another surge in COVID-19 cases that is being driven mostly by the highly transmissible Omicron variant,” said Gov. Lamont in prepared remarks. “As a result, the demand for tests has outpaced the supply of testing available through our statewide network of about 400 sites. The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is likely to be a period of high transmission, and we have to get 2022 off to a good start by helping residents identify COVID-19 quickly and take those steps to isolate appropriately to curb any further spread.”

Read more about the governor’s plan here: