HealthRegional

Meijer now offering free at-home COVID-19 PCR tests

The Midwest grocery retailer is giving away free COVID-19 PCR tests

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – It’s been difficult to find at-home COVID tests for several weeks, but that’s starting to change, and a local retailer is stepping up to help. Meijer will start giving away free at-home PCR tests for COVID-19, according to a statement from the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based grocery retailer released Monday (Jan. 31).

According to Meijer, it is the fist retailer to start offering these tests free of charge to customers. Meijer will give the tests out at 254 pharmacies across the Midwest, according to a statement.

“We are very pleased to be the first retail pharmacy location to offer this service,” Jackie Morse, vice president of pharmacy for the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based retailer, said in the press release. “Our pharmacies have provided many important services throughout the pandemic, and this new COVID-19 testing option is another key example of how we continue to look for ways to help our customers, team members and communities.”

Those who want a test first register via this link and fill out an online assessment. Then, you’ll receive a voucher for heading to your local Meijer pharmacy and getting the free test kit.

To do the test, you’ll do the nasal swab yourself and then take the test back to the same Meijer pharmacy and deposit the swab into a drop box for a PCR analysis. According to Meijer, test results will be available within 48 to 72 hours. The service is available Monday through Friday. The test results and a printable report will be available in the account they registered at Ineedacovid19test.com.

“eTrueNorth continues to enable PCR COVID-19 tests across the country since the start of this pandemic through pharmacies,” Coral May, eTrueNorth CEO said in a statement. “Providing an option for a PCR test where the individual self-collects their specimen should dramatically increase Americans’ access to COVID-19 testing. We are very thankful to Meijer for being the first retailer to offer these self-collection tests to their customers.”

If you’re symptomatic, you can still get the free tests. Those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms may have a family member or friend pick up and drop off the PCR test with proof of voucher.

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