Rapid At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits In MD: Hogan Distributing 500K

MARYLAND — Access to at-home rapid COVID-19 testing is expanding ahead of the holiday season with 500,000 kits available through the state.

The Maryland Department of Health is distributing Abbott BinaxNOW Ag At-Home COVID-19 kits to local health departments — they will be available for residents free of charge.

“Testing continues to be one of the most important tools we have to keep people safe, and we have now conducted nearly 15 million tests statewide,” said Governor Larry Hogan in a news release. “By making these at-home test kits available through local health departments, we are giving Marylanders more options and more peace of mind as we head into the holiday season. Of course, the single most important thing you can do, if you haven’t already, is get vaccinated or get your booster shot.”

Some locations to get the kits may include public libraries, food pantries, health centers and more.

“Getting vaccinated and tested remain the two most important actions that Marylanders can take to keep themselves and their loved ones protected against COVID-19,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader in a news release. “We are committed to accessible, free COVID-19 testing across the state, and these at-home tests kits will augment other state-supported testing initiatives.”

The kits can be self administered, the state said, and results are ready in 15 minutes. Each kit has two tests — they are intended to be taken by the same person, more than 36 hours apart and less than three days apart.

Maryland currently has a 3.9 percent positive test rate. More than 88 percent of the adult population has at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to state data. Last week Hogan announced Maryland would provide booster shots to all residents over the age of 18.

"As the holiday season approaches, with more travel and more gatherings, we are encouraging all Marylanders to get a booster shot and maintain their immunity," he said in a news release. "The state has a robust network of vaccination providers, and we continue to have both the supply and the capacity to provide a booster shot to anyone who needs one."