To keep public health in check, San Diego County has launched a giveaway of free COVID-19 tests and disposable masks; snag them while you can. Eager residents can make tracks to Dove Library and the Senior Center in Carlsbad to grab a test kit, which is being dished out on a first-come, first-served basis, with a single kit per person limit. No need to show proof that you're local per the City of Carlsbad report.

Catch these giveaways before they're all gone at the Dove Library, located at 1775 Dove Lane, open Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. If you're of the more seasoned citizenry, the Carlsbad Senior Center at 799 Pine Ave welcomes you Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has added hours on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. They’re hitting pause on the giveaway on New Year's Eve and Day.

COVID-19 may not be hogging the headlines like it used to, but don't toss caution to the wind just yet. Testing positive means, you should hunker down in isolation and stick to the well-worn safety dance drilled into our heads.

Uncle Sam's got your back for those who'd just as soon skip the trip and get tests sent to their door. The CDC is hooking up every U.S. household with up to four free at-home COVID tests. Join the queue for these tests by hitting up their online dispatch at COVIDTests.gov, or by ringing 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) for the tech-averse. People with disabilities can reach out to the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 1-888-677-1199 or shoot a message to [email protected].