Walgreens, CVS Limit WI COVID-19 Test Purchases Over Incredible Demand

MILWAUKEE, WI — Walgreens and CVS announced Wednesday they will be limiting the number of at-home COVID-19 tests customers can purchase at one time as Wisconsin reels with a surge of infections and hospitalizations.

Walgreens put a four-limit purchase cap on at-home COVID-19 tests both in stores and online due to incredible demand, the company said in a statement. The chain hopes the limit will improve its inventory while it works with suppliers to meet demand.

CVS announced limits on at-home COVID-19 tests later, allowing customers to purchase up to five. Amazon (10 per customer) and Walmart (eight per online customer) followed, allowing customers to only purchase a limited amount of tests.

On Monday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed 4,001 new coronavirus cases among Wisconsinites, while data from the Wisconsin Hospital Association showed 1,653 COVID-19 patients in hospital beds across the state.

Hospitals are so overwhelmed from dealing with COVID-19 patients, the state had to call on the U.S. Navy to help staff some northern Wisconsin hospitals.

State health officials, hospital system leadership and state government officials have repeated pleas for residents to get vaccinated, wear a mask and avoid large indoor gatherings. State health services also recommends the booster shot for anyone who got their last vaccine shot six months ago.

Retail Tests

“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 president John Standley said.

Pharmacy team members have given nearly 55 million COVID-19 vaccines and more than 22 million tests across the U.S., Walgreens said. Vaccines and boosters area available at many Walgreens locations and the company hosts 7,200 testing locations.

The chain anticipates 24- to 48-hour turnaround time for COVID-19 PCR test results, and it said that rapid point-of-care tests are still available with results ready in less than 24 hours.