The website of the Federal Office for Free COVID Tests at Home was launched a day earlier

January 18, 2022 – Americans can now receive free rapid tests for COVID-19 delivered directly to their homes.

The new free testing program at the home of the Biden administration started today, a day before the schedule.

The administration said 500 million tests were available to be delivered to homes across the country. That’s half of the president’s recent commitment to buy 1 billion free COVID-19 tests at home to distribute to the American public.

Speaking to reporters on January 14, senior White House officials offered some details about the new program.

Here’s what we know so far.

How do I order my free tests?

Americans can visit COVIDtests.gov to order their quick tests at home. You can also order directly from the US Postal Service website. Once you order, you will receive a confirmation email that promises to send tracking information once your order is sent.

What information do I need to order the tests?

All you need is your name and home address.

There is also an option to provide your email address to receive updates on the status of your order.

What if someone needs help to order the tests?

There will be a toll-free call line for people in need, including those with internet access problems, according to White House officials.

What tests will be available?

There are nine tests at home available through an FDA emergency use permit. According to the COVIDtests.gov FAQ, “You will not be able to choose the brand you order as part of this program. ”

How long will it take to receive the tests after I order them?

The tests are expected to be shipped 7 to 12 days after you order them.

But White House officials say the timeframe is likely to be shortened as the program gains momentum.

How much can I order?

There is a limit of four tests at a residential mailing address.

For larger families, White House staff offer to try other free testing options, such as visiting COVID-19 test sites or the local health center.

Is this a one-time opportunity?

The White House did not say, but officials said that if they complete their four free tests, there are many other ways to access free tests at home, such as COVID-19 testing sites, pharmacies and public health centers.

The free tests available through COVIDtests.gov are in addition to approximately 375 million rapid tests at home in the US market this month.

When should people use a quick test at home?

The CDC and experts from other public health groups agree that Americans should consider using rapid tests at home in the following situations:

• If they begin to have symptoms corresponding to COVID-19
• At least 5 days after close contact with someone who has COVID
• If someone is indoors with a group of people who are at risk of serious illness or have not been vaccinated

Are quick tests at home accurate?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other federal officials have confirmed through research that all tests distributed through this program can detect the Omicron variant. These agencies also confirmed that their submission is in line with the FDA’s emergency use permit.

Is the website designed to handle the high demand?

After the initial health insurance registration website under the Affordable Care Act crashed several times at launch, the government says it has prepared for a high demand for ordering quick tests at home.

The US Digital Service (USDS), an organization founded after Healthcare.gov, has partnered with the Postal Service to plan the launch.

The postal service has expanded its staff, similar to what is done during the holidays.

All orders in the continental United States will be shipped by first-class mail, with shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territory, and military and overseas addresses sent by priority mail.