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FROM STAFF REPORTS

Individuals seeking free COVID testing have two options.

On January 14, the Biden Administration said it would purchase one billion COVID-19 tests that would be distributed to households across America at no cost to anyone.

According to the White House, the at-home tests typically ship between seven and 12 days after ordering.

Those interested in receiving their four free COVID-19 tests can visit www.covidtests.gov to order today, and those who can not access the internet can call 1-800-232-0233.

Similarly, the Biden administration announced on January 19 that it would be distributing over 400 million N95 masks for adults free of charge at thousands of pharmacies and other locations nationwide.

Adults will be able to receive three masks per individual.

The White House also announced that the federal government will be making over 10 million more COVID-19 tests available at schools nationwide.

Locally, the Carter County Health Department offers COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and take-home tests.

The health department offers PCR nasal swab testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., said Ashley Davies, Tennessee Department of Health’s Northeast Region Healthy Development Coordinator. “We also offer take-home tests from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, pending availability. Vaccines are also available at the Health Department from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.”

For more information, contact the Carter County Health Department at 423-543-2521.