The federal government has relaunched its free program for at-home delivery of COVID-19 test kits! Every household is eligible to receive 4 free rapid antigen at-home test kits by visiting https://special.usps.com/testkits. You can learn more about the program and get more information about at-home COVID-19 test kits by visiting https://aspr.hhs.gov/covid-19/test/Pages/default.aspx.
The Bedford Health Department continues to offer free COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits for Bedford residents. Each household is eligible to receive 2 kits. Pick up your test kits at the Bedford Health Department located in Town Center (the “Yellow Building”) at 12 Mudge Way, 2nd Floor, Bedford MA, 01730 while supplies last.
It is important to keep up with the latest COVID-19 guidelines to understand when to use your test kits and when to stay home. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) guidelines on when to test are detailed below and you can find additional information on the MDPH website here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/staying-home-to-prevent-the-spread-of-respiratory-viruses.
When should I test myself for COVID-19? You develop any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild -or- On day 6 following an exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 |
What do I do if I have symptoms and my COVID-19 test comes back positive? Stay home until you are 24 hours fever-free without fever-reducing medication (if you have a fever) -and- Your symptoms are improving Then, you may return to work and normal activity. However, upon returning to work and resuming normal activity, take the extra precaution of wearing a mask while indoors for at least 5 more days. *Important change: you no longer need to re-test yourself for COVID-19 after a positive test in order to return to work or normal activity* |
What do I do if I have symptoms and my COVID-19 test comes back negative? If you administered a self-test, look at the instructions provided within the kit to see if/when you should retest. In the meantime, take every day preventative actions to prevent spreading the illness, like avoiding crowded indoor spaces and wearing a mask. |
What do I do if I do not have symptoms and my COVID-19 test comes back positive? You do not need to isolate or quarantine. You can go to work and continue with normal activity as long as you wear a mask while indoors for at least 5 days. |