EAGAN, Minn. (WCCO) – While COVID-19 cases are rising in Minnesota and across the country, doctors are urging people to defend themselves with what works: masks to stop the spread and tests to know when you are sick. But both can be difficult to get past.
“I went everywhere. Most of them were sold out at 5pm, so it’s a bit like a race,” said Eagan resident Andy Var.
READ MORE: Buffalo Man with COVID transported out of Mercy Hospital on the judge’s order to keep the patient on the ventilator
Customers at CVS in Eagan fell short in the race to find COVID-19 tests at home on Monday night. But as of Wednesday, people can order up to four quick tests at home per household as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to increase test capacity.
Tests are free and can be ordered online at covidtests.gov from 19 January. The White House said tests will be sent within seven to 12 days and they will launch a call line for people who need help ordering.
(Credit: CBS)
READ MORE: Omicron may peak next week in Minnesota, says the Mayo Data Scientist
“I have a box at home, but again, I thought that when you are sick you will not go out and look for a test, so I thought it would be nice to have one more on hand.” Eagan resident Darcy Wetzel said.
On Friday, the CDC updated its mask guide, which recommended N95 or KN95 masks for the best protection against the Omicron variant. To ensure that the mask is approved, the CDC recommends searching for it on NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL).
All NIOSH approved respirators have a test and certification (TC) approval number (eg TC 84A-XXXX) which must be printed on the respirator.
MORE NEWS: ‘Better safe than sorry’: New COVID rules begin this week
Since January 15, private health insurance companies are required to cover the cost of several tests per month.
.
Disclaimers for mcutimes.com
All the information on this website – https://mcutimes.com – is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. mcutimes.com does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (mcutimes.com), is strictly at your own risk. mcutimes.com will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website.
