COLUMBUS, Ohio — Public libraries throughout Ohio distributed more than 53,000 free rapid COVID-19 tests during the month of August, the Ohio Department of Health said on Tuesday. The tests were distributed at 243 locations throughout the state. The Ohio Department of Health said that 146,000 rapid COVID-19 tests have been made available at libraries throughout the state.
“As the delta variant spreads across the state and our students and teachers head back to school, there has been renewed interest in testing for COVID-19,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “These tests – and Ohio’s amazing network of public libraries – make it easier than ever for Ohioans to get tested and to ensure that we are limiting the spread of the delta variant.”
The Department of Health said that the rapid COVID-19 tests can be provided to individuals for at-home use and is packaged with a telehealth session to oversee test administration and result reporting. Those who want to be tested will need to create an account using the NAVICA smartphone app or online.
The state says that demand for testing remains high, and that those interested in obtaining tests should visit the Department of Health’s statewide database.
