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Here’s how to order your free federal COVID testing kits

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Tuesday, January 18, 2022

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Here’s how to order your free federal COVID testing kits

STHS Communication Department, commdept@stph.org

(Stock image)

The federal government promised Americans free COVID-19 at-home tests, and this week they’re making good on that promise.

A set of four tests per residential household in the country are now available through the U.S. Postal Service website. Find it at Special.USPS.com/testkits.

There, you’ll be asked to fill out a short form that includes your name and address to place your order. Testing kits will begin shipping in late January, according to the website.

Experts say adequate testing is key to stemming the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following information regarding home tests:

  • A positive self-test result means that the test detected the virus, and you are very likely to have an infection and should stay home or isolate for 10 days, wear a mask if you could have contact with others, and avoid indoor gatherings to reduce the risk of spreading disease to someone else.
  • A negative self-test result means that the test did not detect the virus and you may not have an infection, but it does not rule out infection. Repeating the test within a few days, with at least 24 hours between tests, will increase the confidence that you are not infected.
  • If you test positive, you should isolate and inform your healthcare provider, as well as any close contacts.
  • COVID-19 self-tests (also referred to as home tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests) are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • You can use self-tests, regardless of vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms.
  • Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household.

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