As winter approaches and the holiday season is upon us, the federal government has announced another round of free rapid COVID-19 tests for households in the United States. With a new $600 million investment from the White House, these tests aim to make testing more accessible and affordable for individuals and families.
Since January 2022, the US Postal Service (USPS) has been taking orders for free COVID-19 tests as part of a government program. However, due to limited supplies and funding, the program has been paused and restarted multiple times throughout the year. This latest offering of free tests is the second one for the fall of 2023.
If you previously ordered four free tests in September 2023, you can now order an additional four tests. For those who haven’t ordered any tests this season, the USPS is offering the option to order up to eight free tests. These tests can be conveniently ordered through the USPS website or by calling a toll-free phone number for those without internet access.
The ordering process is simple and does not require any payment information as both the tests and shipping are completely free. Once an order is successfully placed, the tests are typically shipped within seven to 12 days and delivered by the Postal Service within one to three days.
It is important to note that the duration of this free testing program is uncertain, so it is advised to place your order as soon as possible to ensure availability. These tests provide an accessible and convenient way for individuals and families to monitor their health and help curb the spread of COVID-19.
FAQ:
Q: How can I order free COVID tests from USPS?
A: You can order free COVID tests from USPS by visiting special.USPS.com/testkits or covidtests.gov and providing your contact and shipping information.
Q: When will my test kits arrive?
A: Test kits are typically sent out within seven to 12 days of placing an order and are delivered by the Postal Service within one to three days of shipping.
Q: Are there other options for free COVID testing?
A: Yes, aside from the tests provided by the USPS, individuals can also access free COVID-19 testing at HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations, and ICATT testing sites. These options offer various avenues for individuals to get tested without cost.