As Covid-19 cases rise nationwide ahead of the winter season, the Biden administration has announced the return of a key mitigation strategy – free at-home testing for all Americans. Starting Monday, September 25, U.S. households will once again be able to order a set of four free Covid tests through the COVIDtests.gov website.
The decision to resume the free testing program comes in response to recent surges in Covid cases across many parts of the country. The winter months typically see an uptick in cases as people gather indoors. Widespread and accessible testing remains an important tool in controlling outbreaks.
Americans will be able to order up to four free tests per household through the COVIDtests.gov website. The tests will be shipped by mail, and are expected to arrive within 7-12 days.
The Biden administration is also investing $600 million to purchase 200 million new tests from a dozen domestic test manufacturers. This is an effort to increase the supply of tests and ensure that they remain affordable for Americans.
Who is eligible?
All U.S. households are eligible to order four free at-home Covid tests through the COVIDtests.gov website. You will need to provide your name, address, and email address when placing an order.
How to order
To order your free tests, simply go to COVIDtests.gov and enter your contact information. Tests can be ordered even if you already received free tests earlier this year.
Expected delivery time
The tests are expected to ship within 7-12 days of ordering. You will receive an email with tracking information when your order has shipped.
Types of tests
The government is providing a variety of FDA-authorized at-home Covid tests, including rapid antigen tests and PCR tests. The specific test may vary depending on availability.
Order limit
Households are limited to four free tests. You cannot order more than one set of four tests.
The government is also reminding Americans that free tests may still be available through community health centers and pharmacies.
Additionally, the Biden administration is encouraging businesses to provide employees with free tests. Businesses can purchase tests directly or order them through COVIDtests.gov on behalf of employees. Funding is also being provided to expand testing capacity at health centers and pharmacies to make employee testing easier.
The resumption of the free at-home testing program is a positive step that will help keep both households and workplaces safe this fall and winter. Widespread testing remains a key mitigation strategy as the U.S. continues to battle Covid-19.
