CANFIELD, Ohio - It's a method Mahoning County Public Health is using to prevent a post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases.

About 4,000 BinaxNow at-home COVID-19 test kits will be given out at the Canfield Fairground's Junior Fair Event Center on Wednesday, December 15 from 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. This is in partnership with the Ohio Department of Health. 

"You get 2 tests to a kit," explained Ryan Tekac, Mahoning County Health Commissioner. "We're going to be able to provide each vehicle with 2 of these boxes so essentially, 4 tests."

Tekac says even if someone doesn't have symptoms or didn't come into contact with anyone COVID positive, they should still pick up a test.

"You can be an asymptomatic carrier," Tekac explained. "You could be a fully vaccinated individual with COVID, potentially a breakthrough case."

Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Dee Banks told 21 News on Tuesday that it's crucial to take this preventative step if you are celebrating the holidays with children, those immunocompromised or the elderly. Also, you could be around people with a variety of COVID-19 vaccine statuses.

"We're all in various states of vaccination," Banks said. "Some people are vaccinated and some people aren't. The reason you would want to do a self COVID test is to make sure you're not infected."

Banks said it's smart to take advantage of the at-home tests that are available Wednesday, because of the lack of at-home tests in stock at drugstores.

"With the new variants and we don't know where everybody stands with vaccine status, it's a great idea," Banks said. "I'm going to get some myself."

If MCPH has extra test kits after the giveaway Wednesday, you can call them to pick one up at MCPH.

Tekac added COVID vaccine booster shots are available at Austintown Senior Center on Friday, December 17 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. You can also visit your local pharmacy for vaccine appointments.