While COVID-19 appears to be in retreat and the health alerts are being downgraded, the South Heartland Health District is making free at-home COVID test kits available through out the district.

With one of the kits in hand, area residents who are uncertain if they have spring allergies, a cold or the dreaded COVID-19, can self-test.

Health district officials are encouraging everyone to have a couple of at-home test kits on hand “just in case” they have symptoms.

Since COVID-19 first appeared in the United States, the medical community has developed improved ways to treat those who become infected. Quickly confirming a diagnosis and starting treatment is one of the keys to a successful recovery.

The free test kits are available Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Nuckolls County Sheriff’s office and from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday at the Superior Police Station.

They are available at both the Guide Rock Village Hall and the Red Cloud City Office between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day, Monday through Friday. They are available weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Clay County Health Department office in Clay Center. The Blue Valley Community Action office in Hebron has them available from 10