Wyoming health officials offering free at-home test kits for COVID-19
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JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming – Wyoming health officials are making it easier for people to get tested for COVID-19 with “at-home” test kits.
The tests are offered free for all Wyoming residents through a company called Vault Health, according to the Wyoming Department of Health website. They can be ordered or picked up at the Teton County Public Health Department in Jackson.
At-home kits only work for people currently infected with the virus and typically require a nasal swab or saliva sample. The Wyoming test is saliva-based.
“The test uses high-quality laboratory technology for a high level of effectiveness. The sample collection process is performed under the supervision of a Vault healthcare provider through an online, video-based telehealth visit,” the website says.
Jackson Hole woman Rose Jeske tells KPVI it’s very beneficial and convenient for them to have that option.
“It’s a huge deal, especially since we’re all being very cautious with social distancing and being aware of where we’re going and places that we’re trying to stay away from, so to be able to pick up the kit, take it to somebody who needs to be tested and then also take it back and have it read, is a huge deal, especially for the older people,” Jeske says.
Wyoming isn’t the only state that offers at-home testing. Eastern Idaho Public Health District spokeswoman Mimi Taylor tells EastIdahoNews.com the test is available to Idaho residents at no cost with instructions in both English and Spanish.
“These tests require a surprising amount of saliva so it might be difficult for some to provide an adequate sample to test. If this occurs, we provide free traditional nasal swab testing as well,” Taylor says.
Other states like Utah and New Mexico also offer at-home testing.
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The Centers for Disease Control reports at-home collection kits and tests are available to purchase at retail locations to anyone with signs and symptoms who can’t get tested by a healthcare provider.
Call EIPH at (208) 533-3219 to learn more. You can also visit the website.