CEDARVILLE, Ohio — While the numbers of Ohioans getting their COVID-19 vaccine continues to rise, Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the state is setting up and has already put into place a number of rapid testing initatives.
New among his initiatives was DeWine's announcement on Thursday that the state is making rapid testing available in K-12 schools 'to increase confidence and safety in our schools.' More than 200,000 at-home tests will be shipped soon to the state's Educational Service Center.
In addition, the state is partnering with public libraries to make at-home tests available in more Ohio communities. During the first two weeks of this initiative, DeWine says nearly 120 library systems have said they want to partner on this effort, representing more than 250 sites.
Since December, the state has provided federally qualified health centers with more than 150,000 rapid tests that are administered on-site. DeWine says state health leaders are also working with local health departments to use them to address local priorities.
"We’ve seen local health departments partner with schools, non-profit organizations, and first responders to provide rapid tests," DeWine added. In all, at-home testing is available in 76 of Ohio’s 88 counties, including in some areas that had very little access to testing earlier in the pandemic.
You can watch Gov. DeWine's Thursday briefing in the player below:
More headines: