Pharmacies across Bucks County are facing waves of customers eager to purchase COVID-19 tests. Matt Petrillo unboxed story of the scarcity for CBS3 Philly. 

The experience of Chalfont Pharmacy is indicative of what’s happening across the region: As residents took their undecorated Christmas trees to the curb and vacuumed New Year’s confetti from their carpets, their next move was to investigate whether they had been exposed during family get-togethers. 

And from that desire to know, tests — both at-home and rapid result — are tough to find in the county. 

Sellersville Pharmacy has the rapid-result version, but only as stock remains.  “We sold 436 tests in one day, maybe in like three or four hours. All sold out,” Jay Patel said. 

“We’re getting another shipment of like 400 tests tomorrow, and I’m expecting them to be gone by the end of the day as well,” he continued. 

Adding to the demand is heightened concerns related to the Omicron variant. As of late December, three COVID-19 Omicron cases were reported in Phila.; two in the Lehigh Valley; and one in Montgomery County, according to state health officials. 

Potential purchasers may fare better at big-box stores, where government subsidies have helped maintain test inventories. 

More on the current run on COVID-19 tests is at CBS3 Philly.