United States: Very soon, US citizens will be able to order free COVID-19 tests provided by the government to be delivered to their homes.
The program, offered by the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) agency, will grant up to four nasal swab tests to each household when it opens at COVIDTests.gov.
HHS is reopening the program at a time of year when COVID-19 cases and other respiratory illnesses are expected to make their yearly surges. The tests will detect current virus strains and will be available through the end of the year.
As of Monday, the agency did not have an exact date for when the program would start. The website says the tests will be available for order at the end of September.
Where to order?
To order the tests, visit COVIDtest.gov. Once ordered, the at-home tests will be shipped to homes for free.
When will free COVID tests be available to order?
An agency spokesman did not provide a program start date when reached Monday by USA TODAY. The website says tests will be available for order by the end of September.
What do the tests detect?
The findings of quick testing may be provided to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, and they are often accessible in 30 minutes or reduced. Extended expiration dates are currently included in many COVID-19 test kits.
HHS states that even though the rapid test reports positive results, a negative test doesn’t guarantee COVID-19. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, two negative rapid antigen tests are recommended for people with symptoms, while three tests are required for asymptomatic individuals. The tests should be done 48 hours apart, as reported by USA TODAY.