If you have been looking for at-home COVID-19 tests, it may be another week or two before those are readily available in stores.
The recent demand for tests comes as coronavirus cases are once again on a major upswing locally, statewide and nationwide. Healthier Lyon County has been offering free tests for several weeks now, and grant manager Daphne Mertens says demand for the free tests has been spiking along with the increased caseload. On KVOE’s Morning Show this week, Mertens advised residents to set appointments — but make sure to call while clinics are underway.
Mertens says Emporia is one of 10 communities taking advantage of a two-year, nearly $200,000 grant managed by KU Med to partner with RADx and offer the free tests.
To set an appointment, call 620-208-3218. There is a voice mail, but it’s not answered unless clinics are underway. Callers Monday had issues because the phone line was down. It has since been fixed.
This week, Healthier Lyon County has test times from 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday, 5-7 pm Thursday and 6:30-8:30 am Friday — all at the Healthier Lyon County CrossWinds office at 104 East Eighth. Plans for free tests at Hartford High on Tuesday afternoon and the Emporia Senior Center on Thursday have been canceled.
Meanwhile, private health insurers will have to cover up to eight home tests per month for people on their plans starting this weekend. The federal government’s plan will let residents either get home testing kits free of charge under insurance or get reimbursed. Under this plan, families of five people could receive up to 40 tests at no charge.
Remaining schedule at 104 East Eighth
*Tuesday: 10 am-4 pm
*Thursday: 5-7 pm
*Friday: 6:30-8:30 am
*Jan. 16: 11 am-2 pm
*Jan. 18: 10 am-4 pm
*Jan. 20: 5-7 pm
*Jan. 23: 11 am-2 pm
*Jan. 25: 10 am-4 pm
*Jan. 27: 5-7 pm
*Jan. 30: 11 am-2 pm
