Some New Lenox Residents Eligible For Free Rapid COVID-19 Tests

NEW LENOX, IL — The Illinois Department of public Health announced Friday a program to deliver 225,000 free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests to those living in certain zip codes, one of which includes some New Lenox residents, according to a news release on the IDPH website.

Those living in the 60432 zip code are eligible for the free tests. Households in that zip code can receive five of the tests, which will be delivered directly to the home, according to IDPH.

The tests are being offered as part of IDPH's Project Access Covid Tests, or Project ACT.

"Project ACT is a new direct-to-consumer mail order program in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, health care technology company CareEvolation, test manufacture iHealth Labs, Inc., and logistics provider and distribution leader Amazon.com," according to the IDPH website.

Those interested in receiving the free tests can sign up via accesscovidtests.org. Shipping is also free as part of the program.

“Testing is still a critical component for slowing transmission of COVID-19 and helping prevent further infections,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “With readily available at-home testing, individuals can find out very quickly if they are positive and take action to isolate for five days while alerting those with whom they had close contact that they should also test. Readily available tests can help us chart a course for the new normal and help us learn how to coexist with COVID-19.”

The COVID-19 tests were given emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration. The tests requires a swab of each nostril, and the results are ready in minutes, according to IDPH.

The tests are recommended for any ages 2 and up.

For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.

This article originally appeared on the New Lenox Patch