Believe it or not, we can now order free at-home COVID tests delivered through the postal service courtesy of the federal government. The site was due to launch tomorrow, but they quietly launched it today as a “beta phase.” So far, there have no reports of site crashes or glitches.
A White House official told CNN, “In alignment with website launch best practices, COVIDtests.gov is currently in its beta phase, which means that the website is operating at limited capacity ahead of its official launch. This is standard practice to address troubleshooting and ensure as smooth of an official launch tomorrow as possible. We expect the website to officially launch mid-morning tomorrow.”
Upon completion of the online form, each home address will receive a maximum of four tests shipped right to their door in “late January.”
As the Omicron variant has made its way through the population, many Americans were unable to locate at-home tests. Unfortunately, some have also found online retailers selling counterfeit tests via third-party sellers. This program ensures Americans will be able to have at least four legitimate tests on hand. Vaccinated or not, being exposed to COVID or making plans to visit loved ones make at-home tests incredibly helpful.
In addition, effective this past Saturday, many health insurance companies will reimburse citizens for at-home tests they may have purchased, so start keeping your receipts if you do purchase one.
The government is also planning to launch a hotline to call and request tests, but the launch date has not been announced.
According to the newest estimates posted the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Omicron variant caused 99.5% of new coronavirus cases in the US last week.
