You can order another round of free at-home COVID tests. Here’s how to get them
You can now order another round of free COVID-19 test kits online.
As of Dec. 15, each household in the United States is eligible to receive a new set of four at-home tests in the mail, according to the federal government.
“COVID cases are rising across America as folks gather for the holidays,” President Joe Biden wrote Dec. 15 on Twitter. “That’s why, starting today, every household can order 4 free COVID tests to be shipped straight to your door.”
Those interested in the no-cost tests can place their orders at covidtests.gov. Help also is available on the phone at 800-232-0233.
“Orders for this round of testing will begin to ship starting the week of December 19th and continue in the weeks ahead,” the White House wrote in a news release.
The rapid antigen tests are being delivered through the U.S. Postal Service. People who order them are urged to check their mail, as cold temperatures can lead to inaccurate results, McClatchy News reported.
“In order to ensure appropriate test performance with a test that is delivered to you in below freezing temperatures, you should bring the package inside your home and leave it unopened at room temperature for at least two hours before opening it,” officials wrote on the covidtests.gov website.
When should you take a COVID test?
Health officials recommend that people get tested for COVID-19 if they plan to attend a gathering or develop symptoms, such as fever or loss of taste. Those who have been exposed to someone who tested positive should test at least five days later.
The at-home test kits are designed to give results within 30 minutes.
“If you test positive for COVID-19 and are more likely to get very sick, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of hospitalization and death,” officials said. “But don’t delay: Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.”
The additional test kits are being offered as 458,986 weekly coronavirus cases were reported in the nation as of Dec. 7, up from 306,773 the week before, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu and RSV cases have also made for a harsh season for respiratory illnesses.
The White House said it “acted with its limited existing funding to add more at-home COVID-19 tests to the nation’s stockpile and support this round of ordering ahead of continued increases in COVID-19 cases.”
If you don’t order test kits through the mail, testing is offered at several pharmacies, health centers and other sites across the country.
This story was originally published December 15, 2022 at 7:39 AM with the headline "You can order another round of free at-home COVID tests. Here’s how to get them."
