FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 20, 2022

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) encourages South Carolinians to take advantage of the federal government’s continued efforts to provide free, COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits to households across the country.

The White House announced it was restarting its partnership with the U.S. Postal Service to provide home tests for every household in the nation. Those interested can visit covid.gov/tests and order 4 free at-home tests that will be mailed to their home. The federal government ended the free program earlier this year with plans of reopening during the winter months when virus spread has the most potential to increase.

In addition to the national effort, South Carolinians can visit their local public health department and pick up free COVID-19 tests. These locations have plenty of home tests that are easy to pick up.

“For the last two years, we’ve seen COVID-19 cases spike during the winter months, along with hospitalizations and deaths,” said Samatha Montgomery, deputy director of operations for the DHEC’s COVID-19 Coordination Office. “We appreciate the federal government’s initiative and encourage South Carolinians to take advantage of it, as well as the resources available to them across the state.”

While testing is an important tool in preventing virus spread, vaccination remains the best way to prevent spread and severe cases of COVID-19. Vaccines are available for ages 6 months and up. Residents are strongly encouraged to get their initial COVID-19 vaccinations and stay up to date on boosters.

###