Supply chain issues could be the reason why 50 million at home COVID testing kits promised by President Joe Biden and his adminstration will not be available until Feb. 2022. The Biden adminstration did say that families with health insurance that want to purchase a home COVID kit, which are available at most pharmacies and supermarkets at a cost of around $30, will be reimbursed by their health insurance company.
For those on Medicaid and Medicare, free COVID testing kits will be available at health clinics across the country. But no timetable is available for when they will be delivered.
NY Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Dec. 17 that 40 pop up COVID vaccination sites will open across the state. In Westchester County the locations and dates include:
Pfizer-BioNTech Booster, Moderna Booster
12/19: Grace Baptist Church, 52 S 6th Ave, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Pfizer-BioNTech 12+, Pfizer-BioNTech Booster, Moderna 18+, Moderna Booster
12/29: Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, 312 S. 8th Ave, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
1/8: Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
1/29: Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Many Westchester residents have seen long lines for those seeking to get tested for COVID over the past two weeks. Westchester County Executive George Latimer explained that the reason for long lines is the high demand now, with 50,000 COVID test administered in Westchester over the past four days, compared to half that (24,000) one month ago.
So if you will be attending a large Christmas gathering, or hosting one at your home, go to your local pharmacy and buy an at home COVID testing kit. But most of all, get vaccinated, including your booster and flu shot, wear a mask and stay safe.
