Knox Public Health once again has free, at-home test kits for COVID-19, according to a press release issued Friday.
The test kits can be picked up in the front lobby at the health department, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Knox Public Health is at 11660 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mount Vernon. There is a limit of one test kit per person and four test kits per family.
The BinaxNOW test kit – the brand Knox Public Health provides – requires access to the internet; an email account and a smartphone, computer or tablet with a webcam. Preparation for the test involves a live video chat with a test monitor who observes the actual testing procedure and provides instructions on how to use the test kit.
Knox Public Health provides written step-by-step instructions detailing the technical requirements and the testing process. While the actual test results are available in approximately 15 minutes, the entire process can take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.
The rapid test is especially helpful for someone who may have been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case and is required to quarantine for 14 days. Yet, under the current protocol, after five days of quarantine, someone can be tested and, if testing negative and remaining symptom-free, can be released from quarantine after eight days instead of 14.
“With such a quick turnaround, the at-home tests help people who test negative return to normal activities such as work or school. If people test positive, it reinforces protective measures so they don’t spread the virus," the agency said.
