Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will begin offering free COVID-19 home testing kits starting Monday, January 10 in an effort to make the test more accessible to County residents. A limited number of iHealth COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits will be provided on a first come, first served basis until supplies run out. A maximum of two test kits (each containing two tests) will be given per visit.
The iHealth Rapid Antigen test is an at-home test that includes a nasal swab to insert into each nostril to collect mucus, which is then tested to determine if it contains the protein antigen from the virus that causes COVID-19. Results can be accessed within 15 minutes. Self-test kits come with complete instructions.
“Securing these tests, that are currently in great demand, will help our County mitigate community transmission from the Omicron variant surge,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We are going to make sure these tests will be given out equitably and fairly throughout the community.”
Those with no symptoms are advised to take the tests. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, do not go to a library distribution site. Instead, call your health care practitioner or schedule an appointment at one of the numerous community facilities that provide PCR testing.
Every day from 11 am to 2 pm, Monday through Saturday, the following libraries have kits available for check-out:
Library branches distributing kits from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday are:
As of Monday, January 11, Montgomery County recorded 2,704 new COVID-19 cases. Please stay vigilant!
