Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests for US Residents

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Available from the US Government

Approximately one year, ten months, and eight days following the World Health Organization’s declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, US citizens will have the opportunity to obtain complimentary, at-home testing kits from the federal government.

Beginning January 19th, individuals can request these tests through the website COVIDTests.gov, with delivery to their homes provided at no cost.

Website Availability and Test Procurement

Currently, the website features a landing page accessible in both English and Spanish. It is confirmed that all shipping expenses will be borne by the government.

The Biden administration has committed to purchasing one billion rapid, at-home tests for distribution to US residents without charge. This initiative aims to ensure widespread access to testing when needed.

The White House has announced that 500 million tests will be available starting January 19th. Initially, households will be limited to ordering a maximum of four tests per residential address.

Accessibility and Distribution

A dedicated phone line is being established to facilitate orders from individuals who may not have internet access.

Furthermore, the administration is collaborating with national and local organizations to prioritize test access for vulnerable and heavily impacted communities.

Shipping Times and Considerations

It’s important to be aware that test shipments are generally expected to arrive within a timeframe of 7-12 days after an order is placed. This delivery window may not be timely enough for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or following a known exposure.

Despite this, acquiring these free tests is advisable, particularly considering the current high demand. The scarcity of tests is such that even social media accounts typically focused on gaming console availability are now sharing updates on COVID-19 test stock levels.