This is how Charlotteans can sign up to get free at-home COVID-19 tests shipped

The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t have a clear end in sight, so testing for the virus remains vital to stopping its spread.

Rapid-result and PCR testing, which requires lab analysis, have been available to the public during the pandemic. Testing remains free at drugstores and at various sites. Take-home kits may also be found on shelves at some pharmacies and stores, but availability may be limited and cost about $24 each.

But there is another option coming soon.

People in the Carolinas can begin ordering free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests through the government.

Starting Wednesday, 500 million tests will be available online on the website COVIDTests.gov. as part of President Joe Biden’s initiative to increase testing volume and access in the United States amid a surge in cases and hospitalizations led by the omicron variant, though the site is currently accepting orders as part of its soft launch. Biden announced last week that he was doubling the order to 1 billion tests.

HOW MANY TESTS CAN BE REQUESTED?

Each household can order up to four test kits to ensure those who want them can have “broad access.” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the website was in “beta testing” and operating at a “limited capacity” ahead of its official launch.

WHEN WILL TESTS ARRIVE?

The White House indicated that the tests should ship within 7 to 12 days once ordered, and the administration is working with the United States Postal Service to deliver the kits.

Officials emphasized that the federal website is just one way for people to procure COVID-19 tests, and shortages of at-home test kits have shown signs of easing as more supply has hit the market.

Since Saturday, private insurance companies have been required to cover the cost of at-home rapid tests, allowing Americans to be reimbursed for tests they purchase at pharmacies and online retailers. That covers up to eight tests per month.

Here’s how Charlotte-area residents can get tests or be tested in Mecklenburg County and elsewhere:

Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County Public Health announced Friday that it is providing a limited supply of free at-home test kits for those who face barriers to in-person and affordable testing options.

The kits will be made available on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, 1430 Alleghany St. and Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., both in Charlotte. No appointment is required to receive the kits, which feature four tests per household, a MCPH news release said.

Updates on at-home test kit availability will be shared on the County’s COVID-19 webpage, mecknc.gov/COVID-19, and on the COVID-19 hotline, 980-314-9400, option 3.

The state Department of Health and Human Services provides the kits for free, with no ID, appointment or insurance required, the Observer previously reported.

Labcorp

Labcorp announced it will pause orders of free COVID-19 home collection kits beginning Wednesday, and through Sunday, to meet customer expectations during limited holiday shipping delivery window, according to the corporation’s website.

Labcorp, the state’s at-home testing option, partnered with NCDHHS to offer these free test kits to North Carolinians.

United Providers of Health

The public can register and find free COVID testing locations on the United Providers of Health website. The UPOH partners with primary care providers throughout North Carolina to help people who don’t have healthcare coverage and access to medical treatments.

CVS

Free PCR tests, which are considered to be more accurate, and are available at multiple CVS locations in the Charlotte area, but it could take up to two days for results to be returned.

Rapid-result tests are also free and available by appointment only.

The public can schedule appointments for both tests on the CVS website.

Walgreens

Various Walgreens stores offer free PCR and rapid-result testing by appointment only.

The public can make appointments by signing up on the Walgreens website.

Walgreens, like CVS and other retailers, carries a number of at-home COVID tests, including from BinaxNOW, InteliSwab, QuickVue and Labcorp Pixel. The average price for these at-home kits is about $24.

Amazon

Amazon has some at-home rapid COVID tests available on its website. Brands include iHealth, BD Veritor and On/Go. Prices for these brands can range from $25 to $500 depending on the amount of tests ordered.

Laboratories/sites

▪ Rapid Diagnostics has an office in south Charlotte that offers in-car, rapid COVID testing for $65. Each appointment should last about three minutes. A PCR test will cost $185.

▪ StarMed expanded its COVID-19 testing and vaccination services by opening a location in the Starmount neighborhood at 6859 South Blvd. near the intersection of Arrowood Road, the healthcare service said in a news release. The site began serving patients in mid-December.

The operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

StarMed is offering testing to people of all ages at various sites. There is no cost to the individual, with or without insurance. Patients don’t need a referral and walk-ups are welcomed.

StarMed is also partnering with the Charlotte Area Transit System to relocate its COVID-19 testing and vaccination location in the Starmount neighborhood to the CATS Archdale light rail “Park and Ride” at 6230 South Boulevard.

The operating hours at the new location remain the same.

▪ Individuals can schedule COVID test appointments through their primary care provider at Novant Health or Atrium Health. Novant also offers testing at its urgent care and walk-in clinics.

▪ Carolina Pharmacy has curbside and in-store rapid-result and PCR testing at a number of locations. A rapid-result test costs $79, and a PCR test is $190, according to the pharmacy’s website.

Avant Pharmacy and Wellness Center offers both rapid antigen tests and PCR testing. A rapid PCR test costs $129, and a antigen test is $70.

One Love Services is offering COVID testing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday at its 4922 Albemarle Rd location. Walk-ins are welcome.