As the COVID-19 Test Iowa program is ending operations tomorrow, Iowans are advised of a transition to self-administered, at-home testing.

Through a partnership between the Iowa Department of Public Health and the State Hygienic Lab, beginning Friday Iowans may choose to pick up a test kit from a site in their community or have a kit sent to their home at no cost. Each test kit includes instructions on how to activate the test kit, collect the test sample, return the sample to SHL, and when to expect results. The current Test Iowa website will be updated to facilitate the process for requesting test kits and will feature a test kit site locator tool. There are approximately 125 pickup sites registered throughout the state. Samples must then be returned by UPS and results will be received through email about 24 hours from when the sample is received by SHL.

The Iowa Department of Public Health says the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated, and you can find more information on vaccine providers by visiting here.