Organizers of large events can get free COVID-19 tests from the city

Philly distributing 20,000 tests to prevent super-spreader events
A positive COVID-19 at-home test
A positive COVID-19 at-home test Photo credit Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is trying a new strategy to prevent large events from becoming super-spreaders of COVID-19.

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You can now order a third round of free COVID tests in the US
You can now order a third round of free COVID tests in the US

The department will provide free at-home coronavirus tests to event organizers so participants can check for the virus before and after the event.

Organizers can request two tests per guest and can pick them up from the department. They’re advised to order the tests at least two weeks in advance to allow time to process the request. Not all requests will be approved.

The department has 20,000 tests for the program. The tests will be prioritized for events in parts of the city that have been hit especially hard by the virus, but officials say they may set aside more if the effort is successful.