Missouri offers free COVID-19 tests shipped to your home, but expect delays

     Demand remains high for COVID-19 testing due, and the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) recently reminded residents of an option to receive complimentary tests shipped to their homes. The announcement quickly resulted in an overwhelming response, and the department has announced it has suspended requests until at least January 12th. 
    After January 12th, residents may request test kits to be shipped to their home by visiting Picture Genetics | At-home COVID-19 Test. A limited quantity will be available each day through January. If the ordering site states the limit has been reached, residents are asked to check back the following day for availability.
     Once a resident receives a test and completes self-collection by easy-to-follow instructions, the kit is returned to a laboratory free of charge via FedEx. Test results are provided via email. Once ordered, the kit typically arrives in 2 days (depending on current demand), and the kit is good for 6 months. Once the sample has been collected, it must be packaged in the prepaid FedEx shipping envelope (according to directions) and returned to a FedEx collection site within 24 hours.
​     Visit the DHSS website for a comprehensive list of testing sites, pharmacies that offer free testing, and the link to request a free test to be shipped to your home: Community Testing | COVID-19 Outbreak | Health & Senior Services (mo.gov).