The US government has resumed taking orders for free COVID test kits. Starting today, households in the US will be able to order four free tests
"Households will again be able to order four free tests through COVIDTests.gov. These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants, are intended for use through the end of 2023, and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates," the US government has said in a press release.
Here's how you can order free COVID test kits for yourself:
Go to the portal https://www.covid.gov/testsEnter your nameEnter your residential addressNo identification, credit card, or health insurance information is required.Optionally, you can share your email address to get updates on your order.
There is a cap of one order per residential address. Orders will ship free starting the week of October 2, 2023.
The tests can be taken at home or at other locations. The result will be produced within 30 minutes. It can be used for testing whether you have COVID-19 symptoms or not.
The free COVID tests are antigen tests.
To meet the demands of the people and to provide all with free kits, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), has made an investment of $600 million across 12 domestic COVID-19 test manufacturers.
How to take the COVID home test?
One can take the test after having classic symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell.One can also take the test at least 5 days after coming into close contact with someone who is infected.One should also take the test when they go to a gathering.One who is at the risk of severe disease should take the test after being in a public gathering.
A positive at-home test result means that the test found the virus, and you very likely have COVID-19. A negative at-home test result means that the test did not find the virus, and you may have a lower risk of spreading COVID-19 to others, the official guidelines say.
