Walgreens offering new COVID-19 testing option for international travelers

Walgreens’ latest COVID-19 diagnostic test offering is looking to help travelers returning to the United States meet international travel requirements. Certain Walgreens locations in New York and New Jersey are offering the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test, administered by eMed. 

The rapid antigen tests, available via eMed and select Walgreens pharmacy locations, meet the requirement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that international travelers test negative for COVID-19 before returning to the United States. The test meets the guidelines because of eMed’s digital doctor experience, which provides observed sample collection, testing and digitally verified test results.

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“We commend eMed for offering a worry-free solution to meet the COVID-19 testing needs of U.S. travelers abroad,” said Justin Coyle, senior director of development operations at Walgreens. “Increasing access to COVID-19 testing when, where and how patients need it is a priority for Walgreens. Offering the BinaxNOW Home Test for pickup at select pharmacies provides travelers with another convenient option to put their minds at ease about securing the at-home test before they travel.”

Consumers can purchase the test kit and travel with it in their carry-on bag. Then, before returning to the United States, they can log into eMed and a live eMed certified guide will monitor sample collection, testing and results reporting. If the test is negative, the traveler receives a temporary digital health certificate in the Navica app used in tandem with the home test. 

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“International airline travelers need a reliable, trustworthy test platform and a worry-free level of convenience” said Dr. Patrice Harris, eMed co-founder and CEO. “By picking up an affordable eMed-guided COVID-19 test from Walgreens before departing the U.S., passengers can ensure they will have access to a 15-minute home-administered test that provides an immediate certified digital test result. This quick and easily accessible innovation, ultimately, will help reconnect the globe through safer travel measures.”