TOLEDO, Ohio — Demand for at-home COVID-19 testing kits is at an all-time high, but shipment delays caused by a nationwide shortage are making them hard to come by.
On Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Health announced that the state's K-12 schools and universities would be prioritized for test shipments, while delivery to libraries and local health departments would be temporarily paused.
"As tests become available after the urgent needs of K-12 schools and higher education institutions are met, the state will again send tests to libraries and local health departments to distribute," ODH leaders said. "Existing and new requests will be processed in the order in which they are received."
For those seeking free testing in Lucas County, two mass testing clinics have been set up by the health department.
The Lucas County Recreation Center in Maumee is booking appointments for the rest of the workweek. Getting an appointment is required to receive a test and can be booked here. Appointments will be available between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. through Friday, Jan. 14.
A second site announced on Wednesday is set for UAW Local 12, located at 2300 Ashland Ave. in Toledo. The UAW site will start testing people on Friday, and appointments are available at this link.
The free testing will take place Friday, and then on Jan. 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and no walk-ins will be allowed. Results will be available within 72 hours of the test.
In addition to the mass testing sites, tests are available for purchase at pharmacies and grocery stores across the state.
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