Are rapid at-home COVID-19 tests hard to find in the valley?
The holidays are almost here, and the CDC is recommending people get tested before getting together with loved ones to stay safe. Some COVID-19 testing sites in the valley have been getting longer lines as the demand for testing has gone up. So instead of waiting for an appointment, some people have opted to buy a rapid at-home COVID-19 test.
Pharmacies in the valley like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid are seeing a surge in demand for rapid tests. The demand is so great that Walgreens and CVS are now limiting the number of at-home COVID tests customers can buy.
This comes as a speech from President Joe Biden is scheduled for Tuesday with plans to announce 500 million free rapid tests for Americans, according to the Associated Press.
News Channel Three's Marian Bouchot visited different pharmacies in the valley to see what rapid tests she could find.
The first pharmacy she visited didn't have any stock since Monday but was expecting a new shipment soon. It did however have an at-home COVID test that had to be mailed out and took a few days to get results back. Store workers told Bouchot the rapid tests have been flying off the shelves.
The other pharmacies Bouchot visited had rapid tests but were low in supply. Some of their workers said they had less than 100 tests in-store at the time.
Coachella Valley resident Joe Jarecki made sure to get his tests.
"It's the holidays so just to be sure that we are protected when we go see family," said Jarecki. "We have a lot of people in our family so someone happens to not feel well, we're ready."
Valley visitor Brian Cohen bought the max number of tests possible at a local Walgreen's.
"Going to be seeing a lot of family in the next couple of days. So might as well get tested," said Cohen.
Bouchot decided to use one of the three rapid tests she found on herself since her family is visiting for the holidays. And luckily, she ended up testing negative.
If local pharmacies do have the rapid test, it's most likely going to be low in stock. So make sure you get yours sooner rather than later if you're planning to see friends and family. You can also call ahead to the store you're planning on going to and check their supply before you go.
