With the Omicron variant surging, public health experts recommend rapid COVID-19 antigen tests to protect friends and family from unknowingly spreading the virus. Yet long lines at testing sites and pricey, hard-to-find at-home kits have made this tough.
To ease the strain, the U.S. federal government launched COVIDTests.gov, letting households order four free rapid test kits monthly. Set for January 19, it began accepting orders a day early.
It's quick and secure—no credit card or financial info required.
The site has performed reliably amid huge demand—over 700,000 visits by 2 p.m. January 18, per analytics.usa.gov.
For internet or order issues, call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY: 1-888-720-7489).
Shipments start late January, arriving in 7-12 days. Until then, source tests locally as needed.
Note for Apartment Residents: Some face issues if others in the building ordered. Try listing apt # with street address, on the second line, or spell out "Apt" or "Suite" instead of #. These are unconfirmed tips—call support if stuck.
Updated January 18, 2:45 PM ET: Added apartment ordering notes.
Updated January 21, 11:30 AM ET: Added phone support.
