Florida

Division of Emergency Management (DEM) Director Kevin Guthrie is confirming that between 800,000 and 1 million of the state’s COVID-19 test kits recently expired — but said there was no demand for them.

The Abbott Laboratories rapid tests expired last month amid Florida’s sharp rise in COVID-19 infections. The omicron variant has caused cases to skyrocket across the country and in Florida, resulting in long lines at testing sites. Shelves of at-home rapid tests have also gone empty in stores.

DEM, which operates under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Office, manages the state’s testing stockpile. The stockpile is made available to hospitals, nursing homes and more state-supported response hubs.

The batch of rapid tests expired between Dec. 26 and Dec. 30.