The federal government is set to give away a half-billion free rapid COVID-19 tests via a new federal website launching Wednesday. The website will launch amid a massive surge of new COVID-19 cases caused by the rapidly spreading omicron variant.
“Testing is an important tool to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” the White House said via a statement. “Public health experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that Americans use at-home tests if they begin to have symptoms, at least five days after coming in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or are gathering indoors with a group of people who are at risk of severe disease or unvaccinated.”
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Here’s what you need to know about getting your tests:
When will the site launch?
The federal site will offer free rapid at-home COVID tests starting on Wednesday, Jan. 19. In all, a half-billion tests will be given away.
What is the site?
The site is COVIDTests.gov.
How many can you order?
Each household will be able to order four free tests. You will be asked for name and address. You can also provide your email address if you want status updates on your shipping.
How will you get your tests?
The tests will be shipped free via the U.S. Post Office. All orders in the continental United States will be sent through First Class Package Service, with shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. Territories and APO/FPO/DPO address sent through Priority Mail.
How soon will you get your tests?
Tests will typically be shipped within 7-12 day of ordering.
What if you don’t have internet access?
A phone line will be established to allow people to call in their orders. According to the White House, national and local community-based organizations will also be helping with providing tests. The phone number has not been announced.
What about health insurance?
The four tests will be provided free via the website. Also, starting Jan. 15, private health insurance companies are required to cover at-home COVID tests. Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover eight free at-home tests per individual, per month.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
According to the CDC, if you test positive for COVID-19 you should:
- Isolate for at least five days. You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved (Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation). Day 0 is your first day of symptoms.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 and never develop symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days and wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for an additional 5 days. Day 0 is the day the sample was collected for a positive test result.
- Wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for 5 additional days after the end of your 5-day isolation period. Take additional precautions on days 6-10, such as avoiding travel and situations where you will come in contact with individuals at high risk for severe disease. If you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for 10 days.
- Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you are more likely to get very sick because of being an older adult or having underlying medical conditions or if your symptoms get worse.
