Health officials give away 5K at-home COVID-19 test kits in Seminole County

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Government, along with the Florida Department of Health, gave out 5,000 free COVID-19 at-home, rapid test kits at the Oviedo Mall Tuesday.

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Program Administrator Kelly Welch says the tests are accurate, universally accepted, and can be used in conjunction with telehealth providers.

READ: What are the most common side effects of the vaccine for kids ages 5-11?

“This is a nasal nares test, so it doesn’t go all the way in,” Welch said. “It’s not the brain-tickler like you’ve heard horror stories about.”

Oviedo resident Garrett Pohl was among those who waited in line to get a kit. He says he likes the convenience.

“Just to have it at home, and not have to go out to find out if you have it or not,” Pohl said.

READ: Pfizer asks FDA to allow COVID-19 booster shots for all US adults

Demand for the tests was high, so much so that people started lining up for them at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, hours before distribution was scheduled to begin.

“We are happy to see that, because they are being safe and taking it seriously,” Welch said. “We are moving into the travel season for the holidays, so we want people to travel safely and make sure they are COVID-free before they start traveling.”

The Health Department says there may be other giveaways for those who missed out on test kits Tuesday.

READ: Pfizer, BioNTech say booster restores vaccine efficacy to 95.6%

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Cox Media Group