You can now go online to order free at-home, rapid COVID-19 test kits and have them delivered directly to your door. The government-backed website COVIDtests.gov officially launched Wednesday. It allows you to order up to four free test kits per household through the United States Postal Service.
The site was unveiled Friday and began taking orders early as part of a beta test to make sure it was working properly. The ordering process is designed to be straightforward, simple, and free, although some have reported having problems with it. There are reports that, in some instances, users received error messages saying they had already ordered. The site does not allow duplicate orders.
To order the free kits, go to the website and fill out the required information – name, shipping address, and email. There’s no registration or money required. The person requesting the kits should receive an emailed confirmation from USPS letting them know their order has been received.
Once a request is made, the tests are expected to ship within seven to 12 days, according to information released last week by the White House. Requests are limited to four tests per household, regardless of household size.
In addition to the free test kits, health insurance providers are now required to cover the cost of up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests per person per month. And, Americans will soon be able to receive free masks under a plan expected to be announced Wednesday by the Biden administration.
The measures are part of the administration’s effort to curb the spike of omicron variant cases that have overwhelmed hospitals and schools.
The White House said tests should be used by individuals who begin to have COVID-19 symptoms; after five days of coming into close contact with someone with COVID-19; or if gathering indoors with someone who is at risk for a severe disease or is unvaccinated.
