Final Week to Get Free COVID Tests: How to Order Yours Before It’s Too Late

Simply as college students are beginning faculty once more and the autumn season approaches, the US federal authorities is suspending its program to ship free at-home COVID-19 assessments to American households. USA Right now first reported on Friday that the choice was made as a consequence of a restricted provide of assessments.

Over the weekend, the devoted US Postal Service web page for at-home COVID assessments added an announcement that the “order without spending a dime at-home COVID-19 assessments program might be suspended on Friday, September 2, 2022.”

In January, the federal government launched CovidTests.gov, a web site that permit households order 4 free speedy antigen COVID-19 assessments shipped by the US Postal Service. The location added 4 extra free assessments in March, after which one other eight extra in Could. 

If you have not obtained any assessments, you possibly can nonetheless get all 16 free assessments, however you will must act shortly. Fortunately, it solely takes two minutes to order your assessments. See under to learn the way to get check kits, after they’ll arrive and what to do in case you have issues. 

The way to get free COVID-19 assessments

You solely want to supply the US Postal Service with just a few bits of knowledge to get your free check kits. You will not be requested to supply any credit score or debit card particulars, as each the assessments and the delivery are free. Here is the best way to get your free check kits. 

1. Go to particular.USPS.com/testkits. It’s also possible to get there by way of covidtests.gov.

2. Enter your contact particulars and delivery data.

3. Click on Examine Out Now.

4. Confirm that your data is right and choose Place My Order.

All orders might be shipped by way of First Class Bundle Service.

Individuals who cannot entry the web site or who’ve hassle ordering on-line can name 800-232-0233 to order their free assessments.

How can I monitor my order?

When you place your order, it’s best to obtain a affirmation e-mail. When your bundle ships, you will obtain e-mail notifications offering you with delivery updates, together with a monitoring quantity and estimated supply date. Be aware that for the third spherical, you will obtain two packages that’ll possible arrive on completely different days, so search for two affirmation emails along with your monitoring numbers.

When you obtain it, you possibly can both click on the monitoring hyperlink or copy and paste the monitoring quantity into the Postal Service’s web site’s tracker.

What number of check kits can I get? 

In response to the USPS, every residential family is eligible for 3 rounds of free at-home speedy antigen COVID-19 assessments, for a complete of 16 kits.

Just one individual per deal with will have the ability to place an order for the free assessments, even in case you have a number of individuals dwelling in your house. 

Can I select which model check I get? 

No, there is not an choice to decide on which model of check you’ll obtain. All assessments are speedy antigen assessments licensed by the Meals and Drug Administration, like iHealth.

When will the check kits arrive? 

Exams are usually despatched out inside seven to 12 days of an order being efficiently positioned and are delivered by the USPS inside one to 3 days of delivery.

What if I have not obtained my first or second batch of check kits?

The USPS says its website has had some difficulties recognizing sure residential addresses, particularly condominium buildings, multifamily houses and residences linked to business properties. 

You probably have had points putting an order, you possibly can file a service request on-line or name the USPS Assist Desk at 800-ASK-USPS.

Is it OK to make use of a check equipment that was left exterior?

In response to the FDA, producers have ensured that the assessments stay steady at numerous temperatures, “together with delivery through the summer time in very popular areas and within the winter in very chilly areas.”

However a check could also be broken by being left outside in freezing temperatures or getting used instantly after being introduced inside from freezing temperatures. 

The perfect temperature to retailer speedy antigen COVID-19 check kits is between 59 and 86 levels Fahrenheit. 

The FDA has warned concerning the impact of utmost warmth on COVID assessments, saying that, “lengthy publicity to excessive temperatures might impression the check efficiency,” but in addition recommends merely confirming the check line on the equipment. 

“So long as the check line[s] seem as described within the directions, you could be assured that the check is performing because it ought to,” the FDA website says.

The data contained on this article is for academic and informational functions solely and isn’t meant as well being or medical recommendation. At all times seek the advice of a doctor or different certified well being supplier concerning any questions you will have a couple of medical situation or well being aims.