More details about the free at-home COVID test kits
Free At-Home COVID-19 (Antigen) Test Kits
Plumas County Public Health began making free at-home COVID-19 test kits to the general public last week. The tests were provided by the state or purchased by Public Health through a grant. Public Health worked with other county departments and local non-profit organizations to assist with providing multiple locations in four main communities: Quincy, Portola, Greenville and Chester.
Free at-home tests kits will continue to be available while supplies last; hopefully through February. Locations should receive more test kits once a week. Locations for distribution of free in-home test kits may change, so please go to county website https://www.plumascounty.us/2839/COVID-19-Home
The purpose of the at-home test kits is to make it easier for the general public to determine if an individual has COVID-19 and take appropriate action. This is important because people infected with the COVID-19 virus may have very mild or no symptoms.
The at-home test kits may be used for the following reasons:
- If you have been exposed (close contact) to a positive individual. Close contacts should test as soon as symptoms develop or five days from last contact.
- Prior to attending a gathering or other event
- Prior to traveling (day before) or return from traveling (3-5 days after return)
- If experiencing COVID symptoms (do not go into public places to get a test, instead ask a friend to pick one up or order from an on-line business)
- Day five after a previous positive test, if symptoms are not present or symptoms have lessened with no fever
If an individual tests positive, they:
- Should isolate and NOT leave their residence unless they test negative after five days or have completed the ten-day isolation period.
- Should NOT go into public places, even with a face mask. If an in-home COVID test is needed during the isolation period, order it on-line from a business OR have someone else pick it.
- Notify close contacts: a close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before symptoms appeared (or, for patients who do not have symptoms, 2 days prior to their test) until the time the patient is isolated.
- Continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days.
- Contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible if they have symptoms and are over 65 or have other medical conditions to discuss whether they might benefit from medical n treatment (anti-viral or monoclonal treatment).
For more information go to county website https://www.plumascounty.us/2839/COVID-19-Home
