Marion County residents in select zip codes are encouraged to test themselves for COVID-19 as part of an at-home test challenge.
The Say Yes! COVID Test at Home Challenge provides residents with free, rapid COVID test kits they can use at home.
In a news release, Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine said the goal is to reduce the spread of COVID.
“While vaccination remains the strongest tool we have to combat the pandemic, free, rapid, self-administered testing will give community members one more way to help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Caine said. “Anyone can just swab the front of their nose and perform this test in the privacy of their home to see results within 10 minutes and make more informed choices about their day.”
Each test package includes four kits with two tests in each kit. That means participants can test themselves twice a week for four weeks. Residents who test twice a week, share their results and complete a survey can earn up to $35 in gift cards.
Residents in the following zip codes are eligible to receive the free testing kits: 46222, 46201, 46218, 46208, 46224, 46235, 46202, 46241, 46203, 46226, 46204, 46205, 46227, 46221, 46219, 46225, 46260, 46229, 46254, 46107, 46216, 46240 and 46268.
The targeted zip codes were selected by the MCPHD using infection and vaccination rates, and the number of essential workers. Individuals who have not been vaccinated or are at high risk for infection are ideal candidates, but anyone older than age of 2 can participate.
Eligible Marion County residents can order kits at COVIDhometestindy.org. Test kits can also be picked up at the following locations:
- MCPHD Northeast District Health Office: 6042 E. 21st St.
- MCPHD Action Health Center: 2868 Pennsylvania St.
- MCPHD Northwest District Health Office: 6940 N. Michigan Road
- MCPHD Hasbrook Building: 3838 N. Rural St.
Contact reporter Darian Benson at dbenson@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @helloimdarian.