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Starting late In September, a set of four free Covid-19 test kits can be re-ordered online from the US government with just a few clicks and mailed directly to your home. Kits can be shipped to all U.S. households, including U.S. territories and military addresses. Because you can still get and spread the virus even if you’ve been vaccinated against the current variant, it’s good to have testing on hand to know if you have been infected.
If you need a test right now, we have a guide to finding the best at-home tests and outline the ordering and testing process below. Also check out our guides on the best N95 masks and other reusable masks we like.
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How to request your tests
Go directly to US Postal Service Covid-19 Page. if you pass by Covid.govon the home page you should see “Request free home tests” in a blue bubble. When you click that, you will be redirected to the USPS order page. There, you will fill out your name and address. Please include your email address so you can receive shipping notifications. Once you have entered your address, click the “Pay Now” button on the right. Proofs are completely free, including shipping. Only one person per household must apply.
If there is someone in your life who does not have access to the Internet, the easiest thing to do is fill out this form. They can try calling the Covid.gov helpline at 1-877-696-6775, although they will probably be on hold for a while. Please do not call USPS as no one you speak to will be able to place orders on your behalf.
Your tests should arrive within a few days. There’s no guarantee which brand you’ll get and you can’t choose, but the site says these are at-home rapid antigen tests authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You may receive the iHealth tests we recommend.
You should get tested as soon as you start to notice symptoms or within five days of exposure. according to the Centers for Disease Control. If you have no symptoms and your first test is negative, take another test according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually occurs within two days of the first test; For this reason, most tests come with two tests per box. If your test is positive, take another test to verify it and quarantine for five days.
Have your previous tests expired?
You may already have some tests on hand from previous government shipments or may have purchased them separately. They are probably fine to use. Check the FDA list of authorized home tests. If the expiration date has been extended, that means the manufacturer provided data to the FDA showing that the shelf life is longer than thought when the test was first authorized.
Do you need a test right now?
If you need a test ASAP, check out our guide on Rapid Home Covid-19 Tests and where to find them. It also has more information about accuracy. Rapid tests typically show results in about 15 minutes and are about 85 percent accurate.
The tests we recommend (see our guide for more retailers).