U.S. Government Reopens Free COVID-19 Test Program Amid Rising Cases
As the United States heads into respiratory virus season with high levels of the coronavirus circulating, the U.S. government has announced the reopening of its free COVID-19 test program. This initiative, which began on September 25, 2024, allows U.S. households to order up to four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the government's website, COVIDtests.gov.
The government's decision to restart the program comes as a welcome relief for many Americans, especially those in underserved communities who may have limited access to COVID-19 testing resources. According to the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, the program has already distributed over 755 million tests to more than two-thirds of American households, with 310 million of those tests going to households in underserved communities.
To order the free COVID-19 tests, individuals simply need to visit COVIDtests.gov and click on the "Order Free At-home Tests" button. From there, they will be redirected to the U.S. Postal Service webpage, where they can enter their shipping address and receive up to four free tests. The tests, which are FDA-authorized and will be able to detect current virus strains, will be shipped free of charge starting the week of November 27, 2023.
It's worth noting that individuals who have not ordered tests since the program reopened in September can place two orders for a total of eight tests. Additionally, the government has extended the expiration dates of some COVID-19 tests, so it's essential to check the expiration date before disposing of any unused tests.
The reopening of the free COVID-19 test program is a testament to the government's ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic and keep Americans safe. As the country navigates the complexities of COVID-19, it's crucial that individuals have access to reliable testing resources. By making these tests available at no cost, the government is helping to alleviate the financial burden associated with testing and encouraging more people to get tested.
How to Order Your Free Tests
To order your free COVID-19 tests, follow these simple steps: 1. Visit COVIDtests.gov 2. Click on the "Order Free At-home Tests" button 3. Enter your shipping address on the U.S. Postal Service webpage 4. Receive up to four free tests The COVID-19 tests are available at no cost to U.S. households, and shipping is also free. Don't miss out on this opportunity to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 get tested as soon as possible. By getting tested, you can help slow the spread of the virus and keep your community safe.Stay Safe and Get Tested
As the pandemic continues to evolve, it's essential that Americans remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. By ordering your free COVID-19 tests and getting tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you can help keep your community safe. Don't forget to follow the CDC's guidelines for COVID-19 testing and vaccination to stay up-to-date on the latest information.#Health