Walgreens Limiting COVID Tests For Shoppers As Demand Surges

BROOKFIELD, WI — With the nation experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases coinciding with the holidays, pharmacies like Walgreens are seeing an unprecedented demand for related testing and vaccine services and products. The company announced Tuesday it is instituting a four-item purchase limit on at-home COVID-19 testing products in their stores and online.

CVS followed suit with its own policy, allowing customers to purchase five at-home COVID tests.

Amazon has limited the number of purchases of its own at-home PCR test kit to 10 units per shopper, according to a CNBC report.

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State health officials on Tuesday reported the highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations of the year.

Walgreens is hoping the purchase limit will improve inventory and said it will continue to work with supplier partners to meet customer demands.

"We remain committed to meeting the needs of our customers and patients and are doing all we can to support our communities during this critical time," said John Standley, Walgreens president, in a news release. "With heightened demand for COVID vaccines, testing and other services, in addition to the busy holiday season, our pharmacy and store team members are working incredibly hard every day. We ask that our customers please show patience and understanding as together, we continue to navigate the evolving pandemic environment."

Walgreens said its pharmacy team members have administered nearly 55 million COVID-19 vaccines and more than 22 million COVID-19 tests across the United States. COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are available in Walgreens stores across the country, and the company operates more than 7,200 COVID-19 testing locations.

Walgreens anticipate 24- to 48-hour turnaround time for COVID-19 PCR test results. Rapid point-of-care tests are also available and results will continue to be available in less than 24 hours, according to the company.

Walgreens In Brookfield:

• 15650 W. Greenfield Ave
• 2205 N. Calhoun Road · In Ruby Isle
• 15640 W. Capitol Dr. In Capitol Plaza