If you have not ordered all three rounds of the free at-home speedy antigen checks from COVID.gov/checks, now’s a great time to do it. The newest spherical has eight take a look at kits, whereas the earlier two rounds have 4 kits every. When you order the third set of take a look at kits, they will ship by means of the US Postal Service in two packages, so that you would possibly obtain the 2 shipments on separate days.
Reported COVID-19 instances nationwide are nonetheless slowly lowering — instances had been down by 3.9% as of July 6 in comparison with the week earlier than. Nonetheless, 1 in 2 Individuals dwell in areas the place the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention are urging folks to put on masks as a consequence of excessive transmission. Which means getting examined for coronavirus stays essential, particularly as summer time journey has elevated and testing necessities for vacationers getting into the US have ended.
It takes lower than 2 minutes to order your checks and, in my expertise, USPS ships them out fairly fast. And if you have not ordered any in any respect, you’ll be able to nonetheless get the primary and second rounds. See under to learn the way to get extra take a look at kits, once they’ll arrive and what to do in case you have issues.
How one can get free COVID-19 checks
You solely want to supply the Postal Service with a couple of bits of data to get your free take a look at kits. You will not be requested to supply any credit score or debit card particulars, as each the checks and the transport are free. Here is learn how to get your free take a look at kits.
1. Go to particular.USPS.com/testkits. You may as well get there by way of covidtests.gov.
2. Enter your contact particulars and transport data.
3. Click on Examine Out Now.
4. Confirm that your data is appropriate and choose Place My Order.
All orders can be shipped by way of First Class Package deal Service.
Individuals who cannot entry the web site or who’ve bother ordering on-line can name a hotline — 800-232-0233 — to order their free checks.
How can I monitor my order?
When you place your order, you need to obtain a affirmation e mail. When your package deal ships, you may obtain e mail notifications offering you with transport updates, together with a monitoring quantity and estimated supply date. Be aware that for the third spherical, you may 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’ll be able to both click on the monitoring hyperlink or copy and paste the monitoring quantity into the Postal Service’s web site’s tracker.
Extra free COVID-19 take a look at kits are coming.
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What number of take a look at kits can I get?
In line with the USPS, every residential family is eligible for 3 rounds of free at-home speedy antigen COVID-19 checks, for a complete of 16 kits.
Just one individual per deal with will be capable to place an order for the free checks — even in case you have a number of folks residing in your house.
Can I select which model take a look at I get?
No, there is not an possibility to decide on which model of take a look at you’ll obtain. All checks are speedy antigen checks approved by the Meals and Drug Administration, like iHealth.
When will the take a look at kits arrive?
Assessments are sometimes 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 transport.
iHealth COVID-19 speedy antigen checks are equipped totally free by way of the US. Postal Service.
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What if I have never acquired my first or second batch of take a look at kits?
The USPS says its website has had some difficulties recognizing sure residential addresses, particularly residence buildings, multifamily properties and residences related to industrial properties.
You probably have had points inserting an order, you’ll be able to file a service request on-line or name the USPS Assist Desk at 800-ASK-USPS.
Is it OK to make use of a take a look at package that was left exterior?
In line with the FDA, producers have ensured the checks stay secure at varied temperatures, “together with transport in the course of the summer time in extremely popular areas and within the winter in very chilly areas.”
However a take a look at could also be impacted by being left outdoor in freezing temperatures or getting used instantly after being introduced inside from freezing temperatures.
The perfect temperature to retailer speedy antigen COVID-19 take a look at kits is between 59 and 86 levels Fahrenheit.
To make sure applicable efficiency with a take a look at delivered in freezing temperatures, convey the package deal inside and depart it unopened at room temperature for no less than two hours earlier than opening.
“So long as the take a look at line[s] seem as described within the directions, you could be assured that the take a look at is performing because it ought to,” in keeping with the FDA website.
The data contained on this article is for academic and informational functions solely and isn’t supposed as well being or medical recommendation. At all times seek the advice of a doctor or different certified well being supplier relating to any questions you could have a few medical situation or well being aims.
