You can to take advantage of free COVID-19 testing with Test Yourself DC, a program offering at-home COVID-19 testing kits at locations around the District.
The program offers the option to either take a COVID-19 test on-site at one of the 16 locations or to drop off their test sample at the closest DC Library drop box at no cost.
While at home testing has been available in DC since April 19, many missed the announcment. It was somewhat overshadowed by discussion of registration for the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccince was made generally available to District adults April 12.
Approximately 8,000 Test Yourself DC kits are available every week. Individuals interested in participating can find the location nearest to them at testyourself.dc.gov. The site will also tell you how many tests are available at each location.
Once you have your testing kit, log in here and follow the steps to take your test at home.
Locations are open for pickups Monday to Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. –except Thursday, when they are open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Testing kits can be dropped off the locations no later than 8:00 pm seven days a week on the same da as samples are collected and registered.
Test Yourself DC enables individuals to take a COVID-19 test from the comfort of their home without having to wait in line at a testing site.
Did you know that you can pick up and drop off free at-home COVID-19 testing kits at 16 libraries across DC?
Find pick-up and drop off locations for #TestYourselfDC at https://t.co/bgPP7gX54y pic.twitter.com/HEhF51jlQ9
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) August 11, 2021
If test samples are not delivered to drop off locations by 8:00 p.m. of the same day of collection and registration, individuals will be notified that their sample cannot be processed and must be re-collected. Test samples submitted via the Test Yourself DC kit will be sent to one of the District’s laboratory partners, and will take 3 to 5 days for results to be delivered.
The Test Yourself DC kits can be used on individuals ages 3 and up. DC Health recommends parents or guardians assist children 17 and younger.
For more information about Test Yourself DC, please visit testyourself.dc.gov and for other ways to get tested, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.
