The county will begin distributing rapid, at-home tests for COVID–19 at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, Jan. 10.
The tests will be distributed at certain times during the week at county libraries. The tests are only for asymptomatic people, who can pick up two kits per visit (four tests in all) while supplies last.
“Securing these tests, that are currently in great demand, will help our county mitigate community transmission from the omicron variant surge,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a press release. “We are going to make sure these tests will be given out equitably and fairly throughout the community.”
Locally, tests will be given out from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave., and the White Oak branch, 11701 New Hampshire Ave.
Tests will be available at the Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., from 4–7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2–5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The county purchased the iHealth antigen test kits and deliveries will be ongoing for as long as supplies last and the omicron surge continues. So far, the county has ordered nearly two million kits and 500,000 kits have been received, according to the release.
Anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID–19 should not go to pick up a test kit. Rather, they should contact a health provider or make an appointment for a PCR test at one of the locations around the county.
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