Free at home COVID-19 test kits now available

Save time by already having an at-home COVID testing kit. Photo courtesy: newstime.com

Americans can now order at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests from the government.

The Biden administration has officially launched the covidtests.gov website, which allows anyone to order at-home COVID tests that will be delivered via the U.S. Postal Service.

In December, the federal government announced it would begin mailing at-home COVID-19 testing kits to any U.S. household that requests one, as positive COVID-19 cases rise among the omicron variant.

According to CNN, White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the website to order testing kits is up and currently in its “beta phase” ahead of the official launch on Wednesday morning.

“Covidtests.gov is in the beta phase right now, which is a standard part of the process typically as it’s being kind of tested in the early stages of being rolled out,” Psaki said. “It will officially launch tomorrow morning.”

Public health officials have said testing remains one of the biggest challenges for the Biden administration, with long lines forming at testing centers and at-home rapid tests selling out quickly.

As it becomes increasingly challenging to receive a COVID-19 test, assistant registered nurse Dentra Gallimore believes the website is a step in the right direction.

“There are so many people who don’t bother to get tested once they see the testing lines because they have to wait for hours, and by time they reach to the front of the lines they are turned around because the testing site runs out of supplies,” Gallimore said. “This website will help a lot and save people time.”

College student Andre Williams sees the benefit of ordering free at-home test kits.

“Not having to wait in those ridiculously long lines and being able to now order at-home test kits is the best idea since this pandemic started,” said Williams. “and it’s free which is absolutely beneficial to everyone.”

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free, and orders will ship within seven to twelve days. For more information visit COVIDtests.gov.