Where Miami students can get COVID-19 tests

As Miami University students flood back to campus and COVID-19 cases average 16,000 a day in Ohio, demand for testing has never been higher.

In Oxford, students and residents have several resources available to get tested. With shifting availability at stores and limited supplies, though, it can be difficult to keep track of where to go for specific testing needs.

With that in mind, The Miami Student has collected some locations in Oxford that currently offer tests. All locations are subject to change as high demand makes it hard for stores to keep testing kits on their shelves.

Walgreens - Walgreens stocks at-home COVID-19 test kits, though high demand means the kits may not be available at all times. The store cannot confirm test availability over the phone, so students and residents interested in buying tests have to inquire at the store itself.

CVS Pharmacy - Students and community members can find COVID-19 tests in stores and online at CVS, though day-to-day availability fluctuates due to high demand.

Additionally, CVS offers drive-through testing to qualified residents who register online. Drive-through testing is typically free, though customers should verify their health plans ahead of time and make sure their insurance covers testing.

The Oxford location only offers PCR tests at the drive-through. While more accurate than rapid tests, PCR test results can take one to three days.

Walmart - Students and residents can purchase Abbott BinaxNow Tests at Walmart when available. Like other stores, however, high demand means the tests aren’t always available.

The store currently limits sales to 6 testing kits per customer, whether online or in-person.

Miami University - Miami will continue to offer BinaxNow tests to students with Miami IDs at three locations this semester: Armstrong Student Center, King Library and the Recreation Center.

Due to high demand, these locations will only offer two tests per person per request. Students do not have to pay for tests from the university.

The university will also use wide-net surveillance testing this semester for asymptomatic students, faculty and staff, though no one is required to participate.

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Any student experiencing symptoms should call 513-529-3000 to schedule a diagnostic test at the Student Health Center in Harris Hall.

COVIDtests.gov - A new government initiative to supply U.S. citizens with free at-home tests launched last Thursday. The website offers a one-time shipment of four tests per address which take 7-12 days to ship.

Because the website offers a limited number of tests based on street address, off-campus students should discuss their plans for testing with housemates before ordering any tests. Since the university also offers tests to students for free, on-campus residents who want faster results should make use of campus resources before ordering tests online.

For Oxford residents who need quick access to tests and can’t wait for the website’s stated 7-12 days, the Ohio Department of Health has an online tool to find free testing sites nearby.

scottsr2@miamioh.edu