Americans can once again order free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government starting Thursday ahead of the upcoming respiratory virus season.
This is the third year in a row the Biden-Harris administration has allowed Americans to order over-the-counter tests at no charge.
Anyone wanting to order tests can do so at COVID.gov/tests. Four tests will be shipped free by USPS, starting Sep. 30.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) first made the announcement last month that the free COVID tests program was restarting.
“As families start to move indoors this fall and begin spending time with their loved ones, both very old and very young, they will once again have the opportunity to order up to four new COVID-19 tests free of charge and have them sent directly to their homes,” Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, said during a media briefing at the time. “These tests will help keep families and their loved ones safe this fall and winter season.”
At-Home COVID-19 Test kits are displayed at a drug store in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Aug. 26, 2024.
Nam Y. Huh/AP
She added that the tests will be able to detect infection from currently circulating variants.
Currently, KP.3.1.1, an offshoot of the omicron variant, is the dominant variant in the U.S., accounting for an estimated 52.7% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
During the same media briefing, CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen said immunity from vaccination and previous COVID infection have helped limit the burden of COVID on the health care system.
“I do want to acknowledge that we continue to see a lot of COVID-19 activity across the country right now in tests coming back from labs,” Cohen said, adding, “Circulating COVID disease is not translating into similar increases in emergency room visits and hospitalizations or deaths.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities across the country, the federal government has taken steps to make testing more accessible to Americans. One such initiative is the distribution of free at-home COVID-19 tests to individuals who request them. Here’s how you can order 4 free at-home COVID tests from the federal government:
1. Visit the official website: To order your free at-home COVID tests, visit the official website set up by the federal government. The website is user-friendly and provides detailed instructions on how to request your tests.
2. Create an account: To place an order for the free at-home COVID tests, you will need to create an account on the website. This will require you to provide some basic information such as your name, address, and email.
3. Select the number of tests: Once you have created an account, you can select the number of tests you would like to order. Each household is eligible to receive up to 4 free at-home COVID tests.
4. Provide shipping information: After selecting the number of tests, you will need to provide your shipping information so that the tests can be delivered to your home. Make sure to double-check the address to ensure that the tests are sent to the correct location.
5. Confirm your order: Before finalizing your order, review all the information you have provided to ensure its accuracy. Once you are satisfied, confirm your order and wait for your free at-home COVID tests to arrive.
6. Use the tests responsibly: When your at-home COVID tests arrive, make sure to follow the instructions carefully for collecting and processing the samples. It is important to use the tests responsibly and accurately to ensure reliable results.
By taking advantage of this initiative by the federal government, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. Ordering free at-home COVID tests is a simple and convenient way to stay informed about your health status and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Don’t hesitate to order your free at-home COVID tests today and do your part in combating the pandemic.
