Three new COVID-19 self-test kit vending machines added in Southern Nevada
Testing continues to be a key mitigation tool
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 12, 2022
LAS VEGAS – Three new COVID-19 self-test kit vending machines are now operational in Clark County, further improving access to this vital tool for mitigating transmission of the virus. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) partnered with the City of Las Vegas and the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to install COVID-19 at-home test kit vending machines at the East Las Vegas Community Center and the South Strip Transit Terminal, respectively. The third additional machine was installed at the Fremont Public Health Center, operated by SNHD. Three other machines were installed previously at locations in Las Vegas, Mesquite and Laughlin.
The at-home antigen test kits are free. People who want to access the machines must register at www.snhd.info/testkit. A PIN, issued once registration is completed, will allow people to access any of the Southern Nevada vending machines and receive up to five tests per month.
The vending machine initiative is funded through support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s national initiative to address COVID-19 health disparities among populations that are at high risk for infection and who are underserved, including minority and rural communities.
Testing plays a key role in identifying infected individuals and thus helps to prevent further person-to-person transmission of COVID-19, according to Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for SNHD. He said, “A positive test early in the course of COVID-19 enables people to isolate themselves in a timely manner. This reduces the likelihood that they will infect others.” Testing also allows infected people to seek and start treatment earlier when it is most effective at preventing severe disease.
“We want to make it as convenient as possible for our residents to have access to tests, so that they can take the appropriate steps to keep themselves and our community safe,” Las Vegas Ward 3 Councilwoman Olivia Diaz said. “The availability of free tests in a vending machine at one of our highly trafficked Community Centers really makes it convenient and easy for people to get tests when they need one.”
RTC CEO MJ Maynard said, “Through our partnership with SNHD, we have been able to distribute more than 6,000 free COVID-19 test kits to our transit community at the Bonneville Transit Center. We are excited to help SNHD expand its program to reach even more of our customers to help keep Southern Nevada healthy.”
Test results for at-home tests are available within minutes. If a positive test result is received, a person should self-isolate for at least five days after the test date. If there are no symptoms of illness, a person can leave isolation after five days but must wear a mask around other people for five more days. If a fever develops, isolation must continue until the fever goes away. SNHD recommends following up with a health care provider if there are questions. For details on what to do after a positive COVID-19 test, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Quarantine and Isolation page. Additionally, the SNHD website offers up to date, online information and resources on COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinic locations. Visit www.snhd.info/covid.
The new COVID-19 self-test kit vending machine sites are located at:
East Las Vegas Community Center
250 N. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas 89101
RTC South Strip Transit Terminal
6675 Gillespie St., Las Vegas 89119
Southern Nevada Health District Fremont Public Health Center
2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas 89104
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.