The Cal State LA bookstore announced via Instagram that it will be selling COVID-19 rapid self-tests. Students can purchase the tests at the cashier counter for $24.99 each with a one-pack-per-customer limit. Each pack contains two tests.
As COVID-19 cases increase in LA County, self-tests have been in and out of stock at most retail stores like CVS and Target.
Rapid antigen self-testing has sparked a debate over the accuracy of this testing method compared to sending a sample back to a lab.
This is a fear for sociology major Olivia Ornelas.
“I believe that if you don’t do the rapid self-test properly, you could get a false negative as a result, and that can cause harm towards yourself and also others,” said Ornelas. “I will purchase a rapid self-test still because I think emergencies do occur.”
The CDC recommends using self-tests that are FDA approved.
For Sandra Flores, who is working on her doctorate in education, these self-tests are an asset.
“I think rapid tests are practical, easy to do, and convenient,” she said. “But I won’t be buying any from the bookstore because I signed up to receive them for free from the [government] and have weekly testing with my job.”
Flores is in a small doctorate program with all online classes, so buying these tests isn’t a priority.
“It should be free for students because we have a health center,” she said. “There was COVID testing before, so why not ask for COVID funding from the government to be able to provide them?”
Other students agree with Flores’ sentiment.
“Having the tests for free would be a lot easier for people who can’t afford them,” said David Weber, a graphic design major. “They’re only $24, but buying multiples adds up and people might not be able to afford that.”
Weber also signed up to get free tests from the government.
“The tests are sold out pretty much everywhere else, so it’s pretty cool that students can buy them at the bookstore,” he said. “When we go back on campus, I plan to buy some just in case I need them. People can get four free tests per household, but a lot of people have more than four people in a household.”
“The university is not distributing rapid tests at this time” for free, but there are free non-rapid testing options available, according to Jocelyn Stewart, Cal State LA’s associate vice president for communications and public affairs.
“COVID-19 testing is available on the campus of Cal State LA for students, faculty, and staff,” said Stewart. “Kiosks are located near the University Library and on Greenlee Plaza. Testing is free of charge and is available to all students, faculty, and staff.”
According to Stewart, these testing sites are already up and running.
