Free COVID-19 Test Kits Available in Pike County

Free COVID-19 Test Kits Available in Pike County

A weekly supply of COVID-19 self-test kits are being offered at no cost, and without prescription, in several Pike County locations thanks to a partnership among Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC), the Pike County Commissioners, and the Pike County Office of Emergency Management.

The rapid antigen self-collection kits, the Quidel QuickVue At-Home www.quickvueathome.com have been supplied to Pike County via WMCHC through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Each FDA-authorized kit for age 2 to adult contains two tests for self-collection via nasal swabs. Adult collection is recommended for children 2 through 13. It is important to keep in mind that antigen tests are not as sensitive to the Omicron variant and false negatives may occur. Anyone receiving a positive result should contact their medical provider for follow up.

This week’s Pike County distribution will occur:

Thursday, January 13 at the following locations and times:

Area Agency on Aging Senior Centers
During Regular Hours of Operation
Call 570-775-5550 for information.

Dingman Volunteer Fire Department
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
680 Log Tavern Road
Milford, PA 18337

Lackawaxen Township Bohemia Ambulance Building
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
1611 Route 590
Hawley, PA 18428

Lehman Township Municipal Building
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
193 Municipal Drive
Bushkill, PA 18324

Tafton fire Company
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
235 PA-507, Tafton, PA 18464

 

Friday, January 14 at the following locations and times:

Matamoras Fire Department
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
506 Avenue Q
Matamoras, PA 18336

Milford Borough Hall
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
109 W Catharine St
Milford, PA 18337

 

Wayne Memorial Locations

In addition to the distribution sites listed above, Wayne Memorial Community Health Center facilities throughout Pike and Wayne Counties have a supply of kits, which may be picked up during regular hours. Masks are required to enter all facilities. Visit www.wmchc.net for a list of locations.

 

Drive-Through PCR Testing in Pike County

Additionally, COVID-19 PCR testing occurs Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pike County Training Center, 135 Pike County Boulevard, in Lords Valley.

No appointments are necessary, but patients must have a prescription for the test from a medical provider.

According to WMCHC, PCR or polymerase chain reaction tests are considered the “gold standard” for COVID-19 testing with a high accuracy rate. PCR tests are very sensitive and can pick up small amounts of viral RNA in the nasal or saliva swab being tested, possibly before a person becomes contagious to others.

Prescriptions are required for these tests because Wayne Memorial is classified as a Clinical Laboratory operating in PA and must follow the PA Code.