The state's website to order four free Covid-19 at-home test kits is now live, a day earlier than expected.
Grab your smartphone or computer, open up the internet browser and follow along with these simple steps to secure your test kits.
First type in covidtests.gov. You will be taken to a postal service website in charge of shipping the kits, then click "Order Free At-Home Tests".
You will be taken to a new page to enter your information: first and last name, email if you wish to receive delivery updates, and shipping address.
Once the information is entered click "Check Out Now" to Review.
If all the information is correct then click "Place My Order". You will be taken to a new screen with a confirmation number.
If you entered your email you will also receive a confirmation email and delivery updates.
There is a limit of one order per residential address which includes four rapid antigen Covid tests. They will begin shipping in late January.
The Northstate is currently seeing an increase in Covid cases and some health experts believe it is due to the more contagious Omicron variant.
Butte County Public Health says testing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Lisa Almaguer with Butte County Public health warns that although having rapid tests available is important, they can sometimes give false negatives.
"Rapid tests are very important but, the public does need to understand that they are literally a snapshot in time. They are less sensitive than a viral PCR test and they might produce false-negative results at the beginning of an infection where not enough of the virus present yet."
She adds positive results from a rapid test are typically accurate although they do recommend also taking a confirmatory PCR test.
Per CDC guidelines, people that have been exposed to the virus, despite vaccination status or previously catching the virus, should stay home for at least five days and take a test on the fifth day.
"Quarantine can end after day five if no symptoms are present and the result of that test taken at day five are negative. And they should continue to wear a well-fitting mask for ten days regardless," said Almaguer.
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