Missouri’s at-home COVID-19 test kit program to end Thursday amid transition to endemic phase

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri officials announced earlier this month that the state would end its free, at-home COVID-19 test kit program Thursday, citing a drastic drop in demand.

"After a sharp increase in testing demand during the Omicron surge in December and January, Missouri has been experiencing a dramatic decline in testing the past several weeks," Lisa Cox, the communications director for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior services said. "Due to this low demand and increased availability and accessibility of testing resources, the State’s at-home PCR testing kit program is ending March 31."

Cox added while the state's program began 10 months ago, it was mostly utilized during the winter surge in December in January.

According to the latest State Profile Report for Missouri, just 83,304 tests were administered throughout the state in the week ending on March 25.

Additionally, the state reported just 3,352 new cases and 140 new deaths in the most recent report.

Residents are still encouraged to order the tests for free online through Thursday. You then have 6 months to use the kit before it expires.

Missourians may also still be eligible to receive free at-home test kits from the federal government, which are available to order online.