Many Sacred Harp and shape note singings now require attendees to take a COVID test on the morning of the event to help prevent the spread of illness. This applies to both all-day singings and regular gatherings. While some singings are able to provide COVID tests on-site, others may not have the resources to do so. For attendees, the cost of purchasing home testing kits off the shelf can add up, especially for those who attend multiple events throughout the year.
Fortunately, there is currently an option to obtain free COVID home test kits. Attendees can request these kits at no cost through the USPS website at https://special.usps.com/testkits. This provides an accessible solution for those who may be required to test before a singing, reducing the financial burden on singers while promoting safety at events.
It’s also important to note that the expiration dates for many COVID test kits have been extended beyond the printed date on the packaging. If you have older kits, they may still be usable. You can check the updated expiration dates on the manufacturer’s or FDA’s website for specific details. Personally, I’ve found it helpful to write the new expiration date on my test kits with a Sharpie, especially for those that initially appear expired, ensuring I don’t discard tests that are still valid.