Jack Moore | jmoore@wtop.com

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a new number for self-reporting test results. 

Maryland will distribute 500,000 free home COVID-19 test kits to public libraries and community centers throughout the state to increase the chances of rapid testing during the holidays.

"Testing remains one of our most important tools to ensure people's safety, and we have now conducted nearly 15 million tests across the state," Governor Larry Hogan said in a press release announcing the plan. "Through the local health department to provide these home test kits, we provide more choices for Marylanders and give them more peace of mind when they enter the holidays."

The Abbot BinaxNOW Ag in-home COVID-19 test kit can be used at home and provides results within 15 minutes, and will be delivered to the local health department, who will decide how to distribute it.

For example, in Prince George's County, the Department of Health plans to provide test kits in public libraries, federally qualified health centers, and other locations.

It is not clear how many test kits will be received in each jurisdiction, but a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Health told the WTO that these test kits are distributed in proportion to the population of each county.

Read more: A guide to different masks in Washington, DC, Montgomery is "too confusing."

Maryland Health Secretary Dennis R. Schrader said: “Vaccinations and testing are still the two most important actions that Marylanders can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19. Violation." "We are committed to conducting accessible, free COVID-19 tests statewide, and these home test kits will enhance other state-supported testing programs."

Each kit contains two COVID-19 tests and has been approved for use by one person. If your test result is positive, you should think you are infectious, notify your contact and seek further medical advice, which may include additional testing.

If the test result is negative, you should use the second test in the kit to confirm the result at least 36 hours and three days after the first test.

Either way, Maryland health officials urge residents to report their results.

You can use the Abbott NAVICA app, website, or call (833) 637-1594 for support to report results yourself.

Last week, the Anne Arundel County Health Department announced plans to provide free rapid testing at public libraries in the county.

In addition, the Virginia Department of Health also stated that it will provide the same Abbot BinaxNOW rapid test in 18 public libraries in Virginia.

Want more information? Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia release more data every day. Visit their official website here: Virginia | Maryland | DC

Jack Moore joined WTOP.com in July 2016 as a digital writer/editor. Prior to his current position, he worked as a news editor at Nextgov.com (part of the government administrative media group), responsible for federal government management and technical work.

Like WTOP on Facebook and follow @WTOP on Twitter to participate in conversations about this and other articles.

Send breaking news and daily headlines to your email inbox by registering here.

© 2021 WTO. all rights reserved. This website is not suitable for users located in the European Economic Area.

Need help accessing FCC public documents due to a disability? Please contact Kris Shuldes at kshuldes@hbi.com or 651-642-4336.

Copyright © 2021 WTO. all rights reserved. This website is not suitable for users located in the European Economic Area.