Baltimore County Runs Out Of At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — The Baltimore County Department of Health has run out of at-home test kits for COVID-19.

On Tuesday morning, health officials reported the county was completely out of at-home tests and was working to procure additional kits.

One Patch reader reported going on Monday to the Sears in White Marsh, where at-home test kits were to be provided at one of the county's vaccination sites, only to find they had run out before the site opened and distribution was to begin at 3 p.m.

News about the lack of test kits comes the day after County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. declared a state of emergency in Baltimore County due to the spread of COVID-19 and an increase in hospitalizations related to the virus. As part of the declaration, a new public health order will take effect from 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, until Jan. 31, 2022, requiring those ages 5 and up to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces in Baltimore County.

Olszewski said he would be working to procure 100,000 at-home COVID-19 test kits for residents.

For now, people will have to seek COVID-19 testing from the county's testing sites or health care providers.

The county is offering COVID-19 testing at the following locations:

• 4–6:30 p.m. on TUESDAY, Dec. 28: Drumcastle Government Center, 6401 York Rd, Towson, MD 21212. Testing is in the trailer behind the Mobil gas station.
• 9–11:30 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, Dec. 29: Dundalk Health Center, 7700 Dunmanway, Dundalk, MD 21222.
• 4–6:30 p.m. on THURSDAY, Dec. 30: Drumcastle Government Center, 6401 York Rd, Towson, MD 21212. Testing is in the trailer behind the Mobil gas station.

These providers are offering COVID-19 testing:

• ExpressCare — Rapid tests are available at Dundalk, Essex, Loch Raven, Middle River, North Point, Owings Mills, Overlea, Parkville and Wilkens.
• Patient First — conducting COVID-19 tests on those who have symptoms. It has locations in Catonsville, Lutherville, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, Towson and White Marsh.
• CVS — Most appointments are booked for the next week.

The COVID-19 testing site search tool from the Maryland Department of Health allows people to search by ZIP code for testing locations.

The Maryland Department of Health is operating these testing sites, which also offer vaccination:

• Baltimore City: State Center Vaccination and Testing Site, 300 W. Preston Street: Testing available from 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29. Appointments are required due to high demand. Visit umms.org/bccfh to schedule an appointment.
• Annapolis: The testing site at the corner of Calvert and Bladen Streets will operate from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday to Thursday, Dec. 30. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. Free BinaxNOW Antigen Self Test kits are available during operating hours, while supplies last. Register for an appointment at this link. It will be closed Friday, Dec. 31.
• Prince George's County: The Jericho City Drive Vaccination and Testing Site will be open for testing from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at 8501 Jericho City Dr., Landover, MD 20785. No registration or appointments are required for testing. Free BinaxNOW Antigen Self Test kits are available during operating hours, while supplies last.

Baltimore County plans to provide updates on its websites when it obtains more at-home kits.

"Information on where the test kits will be distributed will be posted on our website once the test kits arrive and are available," Baltimore County officials said in a statement Tuesday. "Please continue to check the official Health Department Facebook and county website for info on test availability and distribution sites."

See Also:

• Highest COVID Case Level In Baltimore Co., Find Vaccine: Dec. 28
• Baltimore County Executive Declares COVID-19 State Of Emergency
• COVID Testing In Baltimore County: Where To Find Locations