Buncombe residents can now order free COVID-19 test kits; where are other tests available?

Will Hofmann, Asheville Citizen Times
Updated ·4 min read

ASHEVILLE - Free at-home tests are once again available by mail, where every U.S. household may place an order for four COVID-19 rapid tests, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To receive the at-home tests, individuals need to provide an address and name to the U.S. Postal Service. Orders will ship the week of Oct. 2 and households are limited to one order of four tests. No credit card or transaction is required.

Test kits can be ordered at https://special.usps.com/testkits. Those who are blind or have low-vision can order 12 free test kits with enhanced accessibility at https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible.

Though some tests may currently be past their expiration date, the FDA has extended those dates. You can find a full list of extended expiration dates for at-home tests at fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19,

COVID-19 consent forms at a pop-up vaccination event at Smoky Park Supper Club August 16, 2021.
COVID-19 consent forms at a pop-up vaccination event at Smoky Park Supper Club August 16, 2021.

More: Got mumps, measles, chickenpox? You don't want them; get vaccinated health experts say

On Sept. 13, COVID-19 was detected in the Metropolitan Sewer District of Buncombe County at its highest average rate in since wastewater detection began in June 2021. Updated information for the week of Sept. 18 has not been provided by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

For closer, quicker sources of at-home tests, free at-home test kits are available at various locations throughout Asheville, the Citizen Times previously reported. Buncombe County also offers at-home tests at the County DHHS office located at 40 Coxe Ave. but does not provide on-site tests.

For free test kits prior to the Oct. 2 shipping date, free tests are available to Buncombe County residents at the following locations, according to the NCDHHS website:

  • The Western North Carolina AIDS Project-Asheville, 554 Fairview Road.

  • Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement, 56 Walton St.

  • UNETE, 55 Adams Hill Road.

  • The Salvation Army of Buncombe County, 204 Haywood St.

  • Hola Carolina, 19 Eagle St., Suite 120.

  • Tranzmission Inc., 37 Montford Ave. Suite 2.

  • Community Action Opportunities, 25 Gaston St.

The state suggests that residents call locations before picking up tests. Alternate locations for no-cost COVID-19 testing are available at the CDC's testing locator website.

More: How to access newly approved COVID-19 vaccines in Buncombe County

A woman handled a cooler of vaccines as Buncombe County Health and Human Services began administering second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine January 26, 2021.
A woman handled a cooler of vaccines as Buncombe County Health and Human Services began administering second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine January 26, 2021.

Find updated boosters, vaccines in Buncombe.

Updated vaccines and boosters have come to Buncombe County clinics, where you can locate and schedule a time to receive a COVID-19 or flu vaccine at www.vaccines.gov/search/.

People older than 5 are eligible to receive the updated vaccine, provided they have not received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within the past two months. Ages 6 months to 4 years old can receive varying doses depending on their vaccination status. Public health officials are recommending that everyone older than 6 months receive a booster.

Most health insurance plans will cover the COVID-19 vaccine for free, according to NCDHHS. Vaccines for Children, a federal vaccine supply program, provides free vaccines to ages 18 and younger who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, or don’t have insurance that adequately covers the vaccine cost. Some adults are also eligible for free vaccines under the federal Bridge Access Program.

North Carolina State Epidemiologist Zack Moore told the Citizen Times Sept. 13 that people who had “robust reactions” to previous COVID-19 vaccinations can potentially expect a similar experience with the updated vaccine.

"You may want to plan a lighter day," Moore said.

Moore encouraged those interested in receiving their COVID-19 vaccine to receive their flu shot at the same time. A vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is available to people older than 60.

Buncombe County Health Human and Services is also offering the updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines:

  • Walk-in: The BCHHS Immunization Clinic, at 40 Coxe Ave., has walk-in hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8-11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday between 1-4:30 p.m.

  • Appointment: To help reduce wait time, individuals may call 828-250-5096 to schedule an Immunization Clinic appointment. Appointments are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1–4:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8-11:30 a.m.

The shelf life for Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen home tests was extended by the FDA.
The shelf life for Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen home tests was extended by the FDA.

When should children stay home from school?

If your student has tested positive for COVID-19, they should stay home until it has been at least five days since they've had symptoms and at least 24 hours since their last fever, according to MAHEC's student health program guidelines.

"Students should wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after the first day of symptoms to minimize the risk of infecting others," the guidelines read.

Other directions for fever or general illness are also provided within the MAHEC student health program.

More: Student vaccine exemptions across Asheville, Buncombe schools some of highest in NC

More: Answer Woman: Does Buncombe County still test wastewater for COVID-19 levels?

Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Free COVID-19 tests in WNC? Order four free tests through USPS