Free COVID Tests: How to Order Your 16 Test Kits via USPS

Cases of COVID-19 increased again this summer due to BA.5 omicron subvariantwhich is accounting nearly 86% of current cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response, the CDC urges people to wear masks to help reduce the spread of the virus – especially those living in areas with high rates of infection.

With that said, coronavirus testing remains critical, so if you haven’t ordered all of your free COVID-19 tests from the US government, now is a great time. On January 19, the government was launched covidtests.gov, a website that allows households to order four free rapid COVID-19 antigen tests that are shipped by the US Postal Service. The site allowed citizens to order four more free tests in March, and then added eight more free tests of household in May.

There is no deadline for requesting your tests, so you can get them anytime. And if you didn’t get any, you can still get the first and second rounds. Together with the eight new tests from May, this makes a total of 16 tests. It only takes 2 minutes to order your tests and, in my experience, USPS ships them pretty quickly. See below to find out how to get more test kits, when they will arrive and what to do if you have problems.

How to get free tests for COVID-19

You only need to provide the US Postal Service with a few bits of information to receive your free test kits. You won’t be asked to provide credit or debit card details as both testing and shipping are free. Here’s how to get your free test kits.

1. Visit special.USPS.com/testkits. You can also get there via covidtests.gov.

2. Enter your contact details and shipping information.

3. Click Look now.

4. Check that your information is correct and select Place my order.

All orders will be shipped via Premium Parcel Service.

People who cannot access the website or have trouble ordering online can call 800-232-0233 to order their free tests.

How can I track my order?

After placing your order, you should receive a confirmation email. When your package ships, you’ll receive email notifications that will provide you with shipping updates, including a tracking number and estimated delivery date. Note that for the third round you will receive two packages that will likely arrive on different days, so look for two confirmation emails with your tracking numbers.

Once you receive it, you can either click the tracking link or copy and paste the tracking number into the Postal Service website tracking tool.

How many test kits can I get?

According to the USPS, each residential household is eligible for three rounds of free home rapid COVID-19 antigen tests for a total of 16 kits.

Only one person per address will be able to place an order for free tests, even if several people live in your home.

Can I choose which brand test to receive?

No, there is no option to choose which brand of test you will receive. All tests are rapid antigen tests authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, such as iHealth.

When will the test kits arrive?

Tests are usually shipped within seven to 12 days of a successful order and are delivered by USPS within one to three days of shipment.

What if I haven’t received my first or second batch of test kits?

The USPS says its site has had some difficulty recognizing certain residential addresses, particularly apartment buildings, multi-family homes and residences associated with commercial properties.

If you’ve had trouble placing an order, you can submit a service request online or call the USPS Help Desk at 800-ASK-USPS.

Is it ok to use a test kit that is left out?

According to the FDAthe manufacturers have ensured that the tests remain stable at various temperatures, “including transport in summer in very hot regions and in winter in very cold regions”.

But the test can be damaged if left outdoors in sub-zero temperatures or used immediately after being brought in from sub-zero temperatures.

The ideal storage temperature for COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kits is between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

To ensure proper performance with a test delivered at sub-zero temperatures, bring the package inside and leave it unopened at room temperature for at least 2 hours before opening.

“The test line is long[s] look as described in the instructions, you can be sure the test is working as it should,” the FDA website says.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.