Free At-Home Test Kits will be Distributed at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Throughout the Month of January

BALTIMORE, MD. (Friday, January 14, 2022) —On Saturday, January 15, 2022, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Baltimore City Health Department will partner with the Enoch Pratt Free Library to distribute free at-home test kits to Baltimore City residents. 

Mayor Scott announced the purchase of 100,000 at-home testing kits during a press conference with Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa last Wednesday.

“As Mayor of our great city, I will continue to do everything in my power to slow the spread of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Knowing one’s status is key to preventing community transmission. To address the needs of our residents and track the spread of the virus, we are working diligently to remove barriers that prevent residents from obtaining that crucial information.”

“We are experiencing the highest transmission rates since the pandemic began. One way we are expanding access to testing is through distribution of rapid test kits at Enoch Pratt Free Libraries,” said Baltimore City Health Department Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa. “We encourage those who may have symptoms consistent with COVID, or those who had close contact to someone with COVID, to be tested. In addition, getting your COVID vaccine and importantly getting boosted is one of the best ways we can limit the impact of COVID in our families, neighborhoods, and communities. If you have not yet gotten vaccinated or boosted, and are eligible, please do so now.”

The city’s health department encourages individuals who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate away from others until they are no longer infectious. They should seek emergency care if their symptoms are concerning. They should wear a mask if they need to be around others.  

Distribution will begin tomorrow, January 15, and continue Saturdays throughout the month of January, the 22 & 29, from 10 a.m. to noon while supplies last. Each location will have around 600 test kits to distribute to residents each Saturday in January. The Pratt will have a mobile unit to help distribute kits on those dates in communities where a library is not easily accessible. 

"The Pratt Library is a community anchor in every neighborhood we serve," said Pratt Library President & CEO Heidi Daniel. "I'm proud of the way our staff has stepped up to provide library service throughout the pandemic and we are happy to partner with the Mayor's Office and Health Department for this important COVID-19 test distribution."  

Alongside BCHD, Mayor Scott is working to further expand City sponsored testing sites in the coming weeks and has already expanded capacity at existing testing sites. The schedule for COVID testing sites is available here: https://coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/where-get-tested-covid-19-baltimore-city.