LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As the omicron variant causes COVID-19 cases to climb across Arkansas and around the country, everyone is on the hunt for a quick, accurate and easy way to get tested.
Whether you want it free or fast, there are tons of options whether you're looking for an at-home test, PCR test, or COVID-19 antibody test.
The Biden administration is promising to supply 500 million at-home tests to those who need them across the country for free. In the meantime, pharmacies in Arkansas are having a hard time keeping them on the shelves.
Governor Asa Hutchinson has asked the ADH to order 1.5 million rapid tests to give to Arkansans for free, which will be available in local health units and public libraries across the state soon.
If you're looking to get a PCR test, UAMS has a drive-thru screening site meant for those with symptoms seeking a COVID-19 test.
UAMS announced that with the rise in need for tests, they've expanded their hours of drive-thru testing from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
There is also drive-thru testing in West Little Rock in the parking lot of Franke's at 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road with hours from 8 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.
There is also a COVID-19 testing site in North Little Rock located at 3929 McCain Blvd that is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for more information.
According to the Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI), blood donors will know more about the status of their immunity to COVID-19 thanks to a new antibody testing method they're offering.
From Jan. 3 to Jan. 31, individuals who get the new testing will be able to find out if they have antibodies from the COVID vaccine and whether those antibodies come from natural infection or the vaccine and boosters.
The Arkansas Department of Health has a map of COVID-19 testing sites that you can access here.
You can also check with your local pharmacy, urgent care facility, family doctor, and even grocery chains like Walmart and Kroger for COVID-19 testing.