At-home COVID-19 tests are in short supply around the U.S., amid rising coronavirus case counts and concern about the more contagious omicron variant.
Some pharmacies and stores on the Kenai Peninsula have run out of those tests, which can be taken anywhere and produce results in 15 minutes. But Kenai Public Health still has free kits in stock and is expecting more shipments from the state soon — part of a state effort to encourage Alaskans to test at home.
At-home kits are rapid tests that detect viral antigens.
Public Health Nurse Tami Marsters said each kit contains two tests — one for now and one for a day or two from now, when someone who just contracted COVID-19 is likely to have more viral load.
She said Kenai Public Health isn’t worried about running out of tests just yet. For now, the center is distributing a maximum of two kits per person at no cost.
The Nikiski Fire Department also has at-home tests available.
Senior Emergency Medical Services Captain Harrison Deveer said the department's supply is running low. But until they run out, they'll be distributing tests on a first come, first serve basis at Station One and Station Two.
Like those at Kenai Public Health, those tests are free.
