Community Corner
Shaker Library Distributes FREE, At-home, COVID-19 Test Kits
Kits are available at the reference desks at both libraries
Through a partnership with the Ohio Department of Health, Shaker Library is distributing FREE rapid, at-home, COVID-19 Test Kits at Main Library and Bertram Woods Branch. The kits can be picked up at the reference desks from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Friday and Saturday. They can also be delivered via Curbside service. When Main Library is closed March 18-31, test kits will be available at Bertram Woods Branch. People who are experiencing symptoms or who do not feel well should request a test kit for curbside delivery, or ask a family member or friend to pick up a kit.
These kits, combined with the telehealth solutions provided by eMed,™ increase access to testing– especially for those who may not be able to obtain traditional testing because of work hours, mobility or transportation issues, or caregiving responsibilities.
“The Ohio Library Council made public libraries aware of this opportunity,” says Shaker Library Director Amy Switzer. “Of course, I was thrilled for Shaker Library to offer this service. This is a perfect example of one of the ways the library connects our community to the resources they need.”
The rapid test is an easy-to-use antigen test that detects the virus when people are most infectious. People perform the tests at home and digital health solutions provider eMed™ delivers results to them through the NAVICA™ app in 15 minutes. The test requires Internet access, a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, microphone, and speaker, and a NAVICA account. In addition, a smartphone or tablet for downloading the NAVICA app is preferred, but not required.
A resident who plans to take advantage of the at-home test should start by downloading the NAVICA app free from the App Store for Apple devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices and create an account for themselves and, if they want to test any children or other dependents, create managed profiles from the “Account and Settings” portion of the app. Test results are returned in the app and are available for 7 days. Individuals without a smartphone or tablet must call eMed customer support at 844-943-0753 to get their results.
The library does not collect any personal information and only reports the number of kits distributed. Customers with questions about taking the test should contact eMed support at 844-943-0753. Questions about test results should be directed to their health care providers.