You can get another round of free COVID tests from the government. Here’s how and when
Another round of free COVID-19 test kits will soon be available to order online.
U.S. residents who already ordered the at-home tests will be able to request more starting this week, President Joe Biden said during his State of the Union address on March 1.
The update comes after the federal government in January launched an effort allowing each U.S. household to place an order that consists of four test kits. The U.S. Postal Service has been delivering the orders.
“We’ve made hundreds of millions of tests available and you can order them for free to your doorstep,” Biden said, according to CSPAN video of the speech. “If you already ordered free tests, tonight, I’m announcing you can order another group of tests.”
Those interested in ordering can request them online at covidtests.gov. People wanting to order by phone can call 800-232-0233, McClatchy News reported in January.
Though USPS didn’t list a starting date on its website, it said households that already ordered one batch of COVID-19 tests will be able to seek more beginning this week. That means homes that received four kits in the mail will now be able to get up to eight.
The kits consist of rapid antigen tests, which give results at home in about 30 minutes. Officials say testing is recommended before large gatherings, at least five days after contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and while experiencing coronavirus symptoms, such as fever or coughing.
This story was originally published March 2, 2022 at 10:34 AM with the headline "You can get another round of free COVID tests from the government. Here’s how and when."
