COLUMBUS, Ohio — The state will purchase two million at-home COVID-19 rapid tests for local health departments via a $50 million investment with CARES Act funds, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday.

Health departments have told state officials widespread rapid testing could make a big difference in reducing spread.

"If we get an outbreak in a factory, we can be able to move in just very, very quickly," DeWine said.

The companies involved in the rapid-testing partnership are Abbott and eMed. CEO of EMed Dr. Patrice Harris joined the governor’s news conference Thursday where they made the announcement.

Harris said the tests will allow Ohio to strategically address emerging outbreaks – “A tool in the toolbox to mitigate spread and get the state of Ohio back to school, work, and play,” she said.

The tests produce results in 15 minutes, and you can do it all right in your home. Harris explained the process will involve a video call with a live guide who will instruct residents through the collection process.

DeWine said local health departments will receive the tests, allowing local communities to more aggressively test for the virus than ever before.

The state is asking health departments to make the test widely available in their communities.

"We've given them the ability to use them for community-specific priorities," DeWine said. 

DeWine said first responders and schools will have access.