COVID Test Kit Distribution To End At Prince William Libraries

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The COVID test distribution program at libraries is coming to an end in Prince William County. Saturday, Jan. 14 will be the last day the tests are distributed.

In a news release, officials noted that they could run out of tests sooner, depending on demand.

Anyone interested in getting an at-home test from their local library should call ahead to check availability, authorities said. More information about COVID test supplies is available online.

Prince William County libraries began distributing at-home COVID-19 tests in November 2021 in an effort to limit the spread of the virus. The program began through the Virginia Department of Health and saw dozens of participating jurisdictions throughout the state.

“Testing is a critical piece in helping our community stay healthy and managing daily life during the pandemic, " Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair-At-Large, Ann Wheeler said when the libraries began offering tests. "We are so glad that we can offer these free kits to our residents. It is important that we do everything we can to support and help each other during this time."

Deborah Wright is the library systems director in Prince William County. Earlier this year, she noted that she was glad to see additional services offered at libraries.

"Our vision at Prince William Public Libraries is to be the hub connecting people to the transforming power of information,” Wright told Patch in January. “Sometimes information takes the form of literacy, sometimes it’s learning through free classes and programs, and sometimes it’s through providing a public service like distributing free COVID-19 test kits."

Prince William County, along with the rest of Northern Virginia, has low levels of community transmission of COVID-19, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. However, the number of weekly cases in Prince William County rose by 59 percent last week.

More information about COVID testing is available on the Prince William County website.