Suffolk To Hand Out Free At-Home Coronavirus Test Kits

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk County is set to dole out roughly 3,000 free at-home coronavirus test kits to residents, Executive Steve Bellone announced.

The giveaway is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 21 in the lobby of the H. Lee Dennison Building, at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge.

Test kits will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. All residents are encouraged by Bellone to grab kits for their household.

"As we continue to navigate our new normal, with progress being made every day, it is still important to ensure that our residents, including our most vulnerable populations, have access to all of the tools necessary to fight this virus and keep themselves safe," Bellone stated. "Testing plays a vital role in keeping this virus under control and will be absolutely critical as we begin to live with this virus as part of our everyday lives."

The county has distributed more than 300,000 COVID-19 test kits, mostly during the omicron wave. Seniors, first responders, and other vulnerable populations were prioritized, according to the county. Legislators, the police department, non-profits and others have helped the county's distribution efforts.

The county plans to continue giving out hundreds of thousands of coronavirus tests, masks and hand sanitizer.

"When we test ourselves for COVID-19, we are able to make informed and responsible choices to seek any necessary care and protect others, especially those who are vulnerable," Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said.

Daily coronavirus positivity rates in the county have been below 2 percent for two weeks for the first time since July 2021.

In addition to county giveaways, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order two sets of four free at-home tests from the U.S. Postal Service.

Most health plans also cover purchases of at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance. Residents may contact their insurance provider for more information.