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Test Kits Run Out Within Minutes At Baltimore City Libraries, Anne Arundel County Distributing 100K Kits

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Nearly 5,000 free at-home COVID test kits were distributed within minutes Tuesday at 23 Enoch Pratt Free Library locations across Baltimore City.

"We know people need these tests and we are embedded in this city and able to get them into the hands of people," said Meghan McCorkell, the library's spokesperson.

Libraries partnered with the Baltimore City Health Department to distribute up to two test kits per person Tuesday.

"I want to get tested before Christmas because my sister is pregnant," said Amelia Kaeding, who was among the last to receive a test kit at the Southeast Anchor Branch. "I just want to err on the side of caution."

The Maryland Department of Health reported 6,218 new confirmed COVID cases in the past day, by far the most recorded in a 24-hour period. The state's 7-day positivity rate is now 11.64%, the highest since June 2020.

Anne Arundel County officials Tuesday announced a partnership with local businesses to distribute 100,000 free at-home test kits. Citing Rapid demand, the county updated hours and locations for the distribution.

"This is raging through our communities at a faster rate than it ever has," County Executive Steuart Pittman said. "We have a shortage of test kits and the lines at our testing centers are long."

Below is a list of Anne Arundel County at-home test kit distribution sites:

  • Maryland Live! Casino and Hotel, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover. Kits will be distributed from 12 pm- 5 pm starting Wednesday, Dec. 22 through Friday, Dec. 24, while supplies last. Operations will resume on Monday, Dec. 27, with the intention of running through Thursday, Dec. 30. Residents can enter using the outside ramp to the event center located on the Hotel side of the building.

  • Westfield Annapolis, 2002 Annapolis Mall, Annapolis. Tests will be available in the management office starting Wednesday, December 22nd from 10 am-4 pm.

  • Arundel Mills, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover. Kits may be picked up at guest services or the mall office.

  • Maryland City Volunteer Fire Department, 3498 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel. Kits will be distributed from 10am-6pm or until supplies run out  on Wednesday, Dec. 22.

  • Anne Arundel County Police Department. Kits will be distributed from 6pm-9pm on Wednesday, Dec. 22, through Thursday, Dec. 23.

    • Northern District Police Station, 939 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park

    • Southern District Police Station 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater

    • Eastern District Police Station, 204 Pasadena Road, Pasadena

    • Western District Police Station, 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton

For updated information on where to obtain test kits, visit www.aacounty.org/covidtestkits. For information on where to get vaccination or booster appointments, go to www.aahealth.org/covidvax.

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