TOLEDO, Ohio — The Wood County Health Department is joining the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department in offering free at-home COVID-19 tests next week ahead of Thanksgiving.
The goal of the free tests is to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday, when families are expected to gather in much greater numbers than they did in 2020.
Rapid antigen tests will be available at several locations in Lucas County.
Monday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lucas County Rec Center - 2901 Key St., Maumee.
Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lucas County Rec Center
UAW Hall - 2300 Ashland Ave., Toledo.
Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
UAW Hall
The free 15-minute tests are for at-home use and come with a free telehealth session provided by eMed. At-home tests usually run about $25-$30 at a pharmacy.
Free tests will be available in Wood County at a variety of locations including schools, public libraries, senior centers and at the Wood County Health Department. You can call the Wood County Health Department at 419-352-8402 for more information.
The University of Toledo is also scheduling free antigen-based rapid tests for students, faculty, and staff ahead of the holiday which will provide results in about 30 minutes.
Individuals are encouraged to visit the University’s online scheduling portal to make an appointment.
If a person tests positive for COVID-19, they should stay home, avoid family gatherings and isolate for 10 days.
Wood County Health Commissioner Benjamin Robison says although they are a useful tool, it's important that people don't rely solely on the tests to keep their loved ones safe from COVID.
“If you have symptoms of COVID, stay home even if you get a negative result on an at-home test,” said Robison.
Director of Health Promotion and Policy Implementation with the Toledo-Lucas County Health recommends taking the at-home test the morning or day of Thanksgiving to ensure you are Covid-19 free around family and friends.
Jones said it's important to note, "Mind you, when they take this rapid test, it's just a snapshot in time. That doesn't necessarily mean they can't test positive the next day or in the future. So, it's just really for that kind of moment in time, day or so."