COVID-19 Test Kit Distribution Event
FCPH is giving out free at home test kits to test yourself and your family before you go and test Aunt Martha’s pie!
- When: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Drive-thru at Drive-thru the FCPH parking lot at 275 E. Gay Street or walk/bike up at 280 E. Broad Street (43215)
- Details: Free of change! No forms to fill out; no ID needed. Limit six (6) per person, as supplies last.
Symptoms
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or
runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
If you or someone you know is experiencing the emergency warning signs for COVID-19, seek emergency medical care immediately. Some signs include persistent pain or pressure in the chest, severe difficulty/trouble breathing, confusion, bluish lips or face, inability to wake or stay awake.
Where Can I Be Tested?
Community Testing Sites
Find testing resources in our area with this HHS state search tool
Home Test Self Report Form
for Franklin County Public Health & Columbus Public Health Residents
Learn
More
if you've been exposed to COVID-19 or are sick
FAQs
When to Get Tested for COVID-19
Key times to get tested:
- If you have symptoms, test immediately.
- If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result. However, if you experience symptoms, do not wait and test immediately.
- If you are seeing someone or visiting a setting with people who are high risk for severe COVID-19.
- If you are not fully vaccinated and have been asked or referred to get testing by your school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.
For more information, visit CDC’s testing page.
What is the difference between a diagnostic (or PCR) test and antibody testing?
What it does: Doctors use this test to diagnose people who are currently sick with COVID-19.
How it works: This test uses a sample of mucus typically taken from a person’s nose or throat. The test may also work on saliva — that’s under investigation. It looks for the genetic material of the coronavirus. The test uses a technology called PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which greatly amplifies the viral genetic material if it is present. That material is detectable when a person is actively infected.
What it does: Antibody tests identify people who have previously been infected with the coronavirus. They do not show whether a person is currently infected. This is primarily a good way to track the spread of the coronavirus through a population.
How it works: This is a blood test. It looks for antibodies to the coronavirus. Your body produces antibodies in response to an infectious agent such as a virus. These antibodies generally arise after four days to more than a week after infection, so they are not used to diagnose current disease.
Where can I find helpful testing tips for BinaxNOW at-home COVID-19 tests?
How can I report my at-home test results?
Franklin County residents can do that through our Self Report Form.
Where can I get free COVID-19 test kits?
Free at-home tests are available by mail from COVIDTests.gov. Every household is able to order four free tests. No insurance or credit card information is required. There are tests available for people who are blind or have low vision. Find out more at Administration of Community Living.