Residents of New Hampshire no longer have to leave their home to receive a COVID-19 rapid test.
Gov. Chris Sununu on Monday announced that New Hampshire is the first state in the U.S. to participate in a statewide program that delivers free at-home COVID test kits to residents. Washington is the only other state using the program, but it’s only open to certain counties.
The program launched through coordination of New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services. Residents can now order rapid COVID test kits online through the “Say Yes! COVID Test” program.
“As we move into the winter months, these at-home tests are a valuable tool for Granite Staters to easily test themselves and get back in the game quickly,” Sununu said in a statement. “As the first state in the nation to run this program statewide, we’re excited for the ease of access this program provides to individuals and families across New Hampshire.”
“Say Yes! COVID Test” is an initiative from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, test manufacturer Quidel, and healthcare technology company CareEvolution.
Quidel is known for creating the first rapid flu test that is used by physicians today.
Quidel’s COVID tests provide results in about 10 minutes, according to the company’s website, where residents can request a testing kit.
Residents of the Granite State can voluntarily share test results with their healthcare provider and the department of health and human services.
Residents will need to provide their name and address for test kit delivery, which will not be shared. No additional personal information is required to get a free rapid test kit.
“As the fall surge continues, rapid, self-administered testing can give residents one more way to help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” NH Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette. “Routine testing offers the best chance of early identification of COVID-19. Residents can swab the front of their nose and know the results of the test in ten minutes and in the privacy of their own home.”
On Monday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommended that all people ages 18 and older should get a COVID booster shot due to the emergence of the Omicron variant.
In addition to boosters and vaccines, Walensky said a key tool in preventing the spread of COVID and limiting surges in new cases is testing.
“I also want to encourage people to get a COVID-19 test if they are sick,” Walensky said. “Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly.”
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