CINCINNATI — There are currently more than 2.8 million COVID-19 cases across Ohio, according to the latest data from the Ohio Department of Health. At-home COVID-19 tests are in high demand, with covid cases continuing to rise across the state. 

What You Need To Know

  • At-home COVID-19 tests are in high demand in Hamilton County

  • Ohio Pharmacists Association Executive Director Ernie Boyd believes the demand is because of the increase of COVID-19 cases

  • Despite the demand, he said At-home COVID-19 tests are readily available

  • They are available at retail stores, pharmacies and even select libraries

Hamilton County is one area where these tests are in high demand, according to Hamilton County Public Health. As of Sunday, the county is at the “medium” COVID-19 community level- meaning people should be more cautious about protecting themselves against the virus.

The rise in covid-19  cases is what Ohio Pharmacists Association Executive Director Ernie Boyd says has prompted the high demand. 

“Around the state we’re having some increases, but I haven’t heard word from the governor’s office or any of the officials at the department of health that there was anything to be alarmed about at this stage," said Boyd. "So I hope the public stays calm."

Although the at-home tests are in high demand, Boyd says they are still readily available for consumers. 

“The wholesalers have the drug in stock,” he said. “The large chains have it in their warehouse. So there really shouldn’t be a problem for consumers over any extended period.”

But there are pharmacies and retailers like Kroger who are putting a limit on how many people can purchase. This is something Boyd says is necessary to keep people from hoarding them. 

“It keeps things even among the public,” he said. “They’re probably instituting some kind of limit and we have no problem with that, so the stuff doesn’t get sold on the internet.”

And while pharmacies and retailers are now charging for the at-home tests, there are other options.you can order free ones from the federal government.  

“If they have them, assuming that their supplies haven’t dwindled, then that’s another place to get them free,” he said. “Whereas if you go into one of our pharmacies you’re going to pay whatever it is- $10 or whatever it is.”

In Hamilton County, a limited supply of COVID-19 tests is available at select public libraries or even at some testing sites in general, Boyd says there are several ways you can get one.

“As far as COVID tests being available, they are available,” he said. “You will probably have to pay for them. But if you search hard enough, you may be able to schedule a free one online or pick one up at the library if they still have some.”

For more infomaton about how to get access to at-home COVID-19 tests, click here.