LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As the omicron variant continues to spread, Arkansas purchased 1.5 million at-home COVID-19 tests that it plans to give out for free at different locations around the state.
But, this purchase has led to many questions from Arkansans such as:
- Who is eligible to receive an at-home test for free?
- How many tests can each person or family receive?
- When will the tests be available?
The at-home tests are free to all Arkansans, meaning everyone in the state is eligible to get one.
Each individual person is limited to one kit of two at-home tests per day, while each family has a daily limit of three kits that consist of six at-home tests in total.
As far as when the tests will be available? The Arkansas Department of Health says that the first shipment will be ready starting Jan. 11, while additional shipments are expected to come in later in the future.
As shipments of at-home COVID tests arrive and vaccination rates stay relatively low, state leaders are hoping increased test availability will curb the spread of the virus.
"I think that knowing that you're positive and implementing CDC guidelines-- that is quarantining as appropriate, will decrease your risk if you are positive of spreading it in the community," Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero said.
With the at-home tests, this is all running on the honor system so when you go, keep your neighbors needs in mind as well and claim only your share.
More than 300,000 more tests are expected to arrive Tuesday night, leaving the current at-home test total at over 600,000 of the 1.5 million that Gov. Hutchinson ordered.
"The tests will be delivered periodically as the supply allows that to happen," Hutchinson said.
If you're interested in picking up an at-home test kit, you can find a map of the pick-up locations here.