Meijer to be first retailer to provide free, at-home PCR COVID tests
Meijer customers will soon be able to pick up a new COVID-19 testing option free of charge.
The discounter said it will be the first retailer to offer free, at-home COVID-19 PCR tests to customers at its 254 pharmacies throughout the Midwest. The program will be managed through a partnership with eTrueNorth, a testing company that has performed millions of COVID-19 tests at more than 800 sites nationwide.
"We are very pleased to be the first retail pharmacy location to offer this service," said Jackie Morse, VP of pharmacy, Meijer. "Our pharmacies have provided many important services throughout the pandemic, and this new COVID-19 testing option is another key example of how we continue to look for ways to help our customers, team members and communities."
Consumers interested in obtaining a test must first register by visiting www.ineedacovid19test.com. After completing an online assessment and selecting a Meijer location, they will be provided a voucher that will be used to pick up their test kit. The voucher can be printed or shown on a smartphone.
After performing the self-collection nasal swab, individuals will return the specimen in the specimen bag to the same Meijer pharmacy where they received the test kit and deposit it into a designated drop box at the pharmacy. Specimens must be returned the same day they are collected.
The specimen will then be shipped to a certified laboratory for a PCR analysis. Test results are expected within 48 to 72 hours. The service is available Monday through Friday.
For those with symptoms, tests may be picked up and specimens dropped off by a family member or friend with proof of voucher. Meijer encourages customers who use this service to wear a mask or face covering when picking up a test and returning a specimen to the drop box.
Individuals will receive an email when their test results are available. The test results and a printable report will be available in their account.
"eTrueNorth continues to enable PCR COVID-19 tests across the country since the start of this pandemic through pharmacies," said Coral May, CEO, eTrueNorth. "Providing an option for a PCR test where the individual self-collects their specimen should dramatically increase Americans' access to COVID-19 testing. We are very thankful to Meijer for being the first retailer to offer these self-collection tests to their customers."
Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Meijer operates more than 258 stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.