“Free COVID-19 Tests: Where to Find and How to Get Them”

The Biden administration started ordering tests through Covid.gov in January 2022, but they stopped in June 2023 to secure supplies. On the website, you can once more obtain up to four free CoVID-19 exams for use at home beginning on September 25.

How to obtain these free test kits is provided below:

Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Ordering

Starting on September 25th, the federal government’s website will offer free orders for up to four fast CoVID-19 testing.

You probably only need to give your name and email address to place an order, and you can choose to get email updates on your order. Per residential address, only one order with a total of four tests is permitted.

The United States Postal Service has announced that orders will start shipping on October 2.

examining the test expiration dates

Before discarding older tests with expired expiration dates, you can find out if they have been extended. Prior to placing a purchase, COVID-19 tests are still widely accessible at pharmacies and other merchants. You may also visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to locate a testing facility close to you if you need a fresh supply.

Getting Ready for the COVID-19 Winter and Fall Surges:

It’s possible that the fall and winter seasons will see another rise in infections, despite the fact that COVID-19 witnessed a jump at the end of the summer, mostly as a result of new variations.

Updated booster shots are now accessible if you’re searching for further protection beyond testing.

Every person aged 6 months and older should get a fresh Moderna or Pfizer booster dose if it has been six months or more since their last shot, according to the CDC.

The most recent COVID-19 variants, including EG.5 or “Eris,” have symptoms that are comparable to those of earlier strains and could include:

.Fatigue

.unwell throat

.clogged nose

.Fever

.muscle pain

“Loss of taste and smell”

Please be aware that as the COVID-19 situation develops, this information may change, therefore it’s important to stay current with the most recent advice from health authorities.

More about COVID-19

Every home that requests them will receive four free COVID-19 quick tests starting on Monday, September 25.

This announcement comes at a time when the number of COVID hospitalizations in the United States has increased over the previous three years, and testing is an essential component of limiting the spread of infection.

With the resolution of this viral catastrophe, several infectious disease programs that offered Americans free COVID tests, treatments, and vaccines – everything, for free – have come to an end.

But as of right now, the Strategic Preparedness and Response Initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services is investing $600 million in the COVID test preparation.

These funds will be used to buy 200 million tests from 12 American firms. According to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, this action is intended to improve the domestic supply chain and lessen reliance on overseas suppliers.

The Omicron wave, the most pervasive COVID infection to date, occurred in January 2022, and the first batch of free quick testing was made available via mail. A total of 755 million free tests have now been distributed after the free test offer was repeatedly renewed.

Even beyond an expiration date, the government advises against throwing away any unfinished testing. The website COVIDtests.gov will keep a list of persons whose expiration dates have been extended, so verify any lot numbers you may have on there first.

Testing is free of charge and offered to facilities, low-income senior housing, uninsured people, and underprivileged communities by the Office of Long-Term Care Preparedness.