Washington's health department is now encouraging people to stock their medicine cabinets with COVID-19 tests.
SEATTLE — As COVID-19 mandates lift in Washington, some vaccination sites are closing, such as one in Seattle’s Rainier Beach area.
The focus is now shifting to testing to prevent the spread of the virus. The state’s health department is now encouraging people to stock their medicine cabinets with COVID-19 tests.directly to their homes twice a month, while supplies last. Each order contains five tests. The thought is that if people order two test kits every month, they will be prepared if another large wave of a COVID-19 variant emerges. During the height of the omicron variant, there was a major shortage of home test kits.The program aims to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by testing at home. Health officials say people who don’t have symptoms can still spread the virus, so testing is critical to know if you’re infected.
DOH officials said frequent testing is especially important for those with more exposure outside the home, such students or people who spend time in a group setting, whether vaccinated or not. Even if you don’t have symptoms and have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19, the health department said people should consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with people who are outside of their household.