Meijer to provide free at-home PCR tests for COVID-19

Meijer says it will be the first retailer to offer at-home COVID-19 PCR tests free of charge to customers at its 254 pharmacies throughout the Midwest.

The new program will be managed through a partnership with eTrueNorth, a testing company that has performed millions of COVID-19 tests at more than 800 sites nationwide.

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"We are very pleased to be the first retail pharmacy location to offer this service," Jackie Morse, vice president of pharmacy for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer said. "Our pharmacies have provided many important services throughout the pandemic, and this new COVID-19 testing option is another key example of how we continue to look for ways to help our customers, team members and communities."

Consumers interested in obtaining a test must first register with www.ineedacovid19test.com. After completing an online assessment and selecting a Meijer location, individuals will be provided a voucher that will be used to pick up their test kit. The voucher can be printed or shown on a smartphone.

After performing the self-collection nasal swab, individuals will return the specimen in the specimen bag to the same Meijer pharmacy where they received the test kit and deposit it into a clearly designated drop box at the pharmacy. Specimens must be returned the same day they are collected. The specimen will then be shipped to a certified laboratory for a PCR analysis. Test results are expected within 48 to 72 hours.

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For individuals who are experiencing symptoms, tests may be picked up and specimens dropped off by a family member or friend with proof of voucher. Meijer encourages customers who use this service to wear a mask or face covering when picking up a test and returning a specimen to the dropbox. Individuals will receive an email when their test results are available.

"eTrueNorth continues to enable PCR COVID-19 tests across the country since the start of this pandemic through pharmacies," said Coral May, eTrueNorth CEO. "Providing an option for a PCR test where the individual self-collects their specimen should dramatically increase Americans' access to COVID-19 testing. We are very thankful to Meijer for being the first retailer to offer these self-collection tests to their customers."

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