More COVID-19 tests being sent to schools

Ohio plans to distribute more COVID-19 tests to K-12 schools and universities but faces delayed shipments as demand for testing skyrockets nationwide.

The state ordered 1.2 million rapid testing kits for January and has only received 400,000 of them, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Manufacturers delayed shipments of the remaining 800,000 as the contagious omicron variant drives up case numbers and prompts more people to seek tests.

The department expects to receive the additional tests later this month.

Health officials plan to first make tests available to schools as more become available and will temporarily stop sending them to libraries and local health departments. Test kits can also be purchased at pharmacies and grocery stores, although many are running out of stock because of increased demand.

Ohio reported over 20,000 new cases on Wednesday, and 6,637 people were hospitalized. Schools in the Buckeye State have abruptly shifted to virtual learning this semester because of staffing shortages.

To find testing and community health centers near you, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.