The city of Tempe ran out of the free at-home COVID-19 test kits hours after it started distributing, and the tests are also temporarily out of stock at other distributors across the Valley.
The city is receiving up to 1,500 BinaxNOW COVID tests a week through its partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Health. This means the city will have more tests to hand out early next week.
The tests are available during business hours at the following locations:
- Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road
- Escalante Multi-Generational Center, 2150 E. Orange St.
- Westside Multi-Generational Center, 715 W. Fifth St.
- North Tempe Multi-Generational Center, 1555 N. Bridalwreath St.
- Tempe Community Action Agency Oasis Drop-In Center, 1880 E. Apache Blvd.
- Tempe Community Action Agency Food Pantry, 2146 E. Apache Blvd.
Mesa and Maricopa County libraries that are handing out the tests are also seeing high demand that Maricopa County library spokesperson Samantha Mears attributes to the upcoming holiday.
As of Tuesday afternoon, tests are unavailable at all Mesa libraries. Community members are advised to check the Mesa Public Library's website for details on when the tests are back in stock or call ahead. Tests are distributed from 10 a.m. to noon.
Some tests were still available at seven out of 18 county library locations as of 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Those branches include:
- Asante Library in Surprise
- Hollyhock Library in Surprise
- El Mirage Library
- Fairway Library in Sun City
- White Tank Library (Waddell)
- Aguila Library
- Gila Bend Library
The county library system expects deliveries of more kits to begin Wednesday, Dec. 22. Customers can call 602-652-3000 to check availability before they come in.
