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Test Iowa Transitions To Self-Administered COVID-19 Tests

Test Iowa will no longer offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing, rather it will provide at-home, self-administered tests at no cost.
Mufid Majnun
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Test Iowa will no longer offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing, rather it will provide at-home, self-administered tests at no cost.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced it will offer Iowans self-administered COVID-19 tests instead of testing at drive-thrus.

The at-home tests will be free, just like the previous drive-thru testing, which launched in April 2020. Unlike the uncomfortable nasal test, the home test will require Iowans to collect a saliva sample and send it to the State Hygienic Lab through USPS.

Step-by-step instructions will be provided in the kits. Then people should wait for the emailed results. Officials said that should take around 24 hours.

Beginning Friday, July 16, people can pick up the test kits in person from about 125 different sites or arrange for a test to be mailed at no cost. IDPH officials said the Test Iowa site will be updated to feature a test kit site locator tool.

The FDA has authorized these self-collected tests for emergency use. The two drive-thru sites operating in Des Moines and Davenport will close Friday at 4 p.m.

IDPH recommends the best way for Iowans to protect themselves against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

Kassidy was a reporter based in Des Moines