As cases of a new COVID-19 variant spike across the U.S., the federal government is once again providing Americans with free at-home COVID-19 test kits.
The new virus variant XEC has been detected worldwide and in half of U.S. states, including California, but health officials are not yet expressing significant concern.
The tests come after the Food and Drug Administration recently approved updated vaccines to better protect against newer circulating variants of the virus. To prepare for cooler weather and holiday gatherings, CDC officials are urging everyone aged 6 months and older to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Here’s all you need to know about getting a free at-home COVID-19 test kit:
When will the tests be available?
They’re available now. The Department of Health and Human Services is offering up to four free COVID test kits per household. Shipping began this week. The kits detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year.
How can I get free tests?
You can order your test kits by visiting covidtests.gov and the U.S. Postal Service will ship them directly to your home at no additional shipping cost.
Tests can also be obtained at pharmacies, but you’ll have to check if your insurance will reimburse you for the cost.
If you’re unable to order free home tests or lack insurance, low or no-cost antigen and PCR COVID-19 tests may be available for qualifying families. You can contact an HRSA-funded health center, get up to eight free test kits per month with Medi-Cal or find a site near you that offers free tests at testinglocator.cdc.gov.
What if my tests are expired?
Many COVID-19 tests now come with extended expiration dates, allowing you to use them even after the date printed on the box. To determine if your specific test qualifies for an extended expiration, you can check the FDA’s official list of extended expiration dates, which is regularly updated. This resource can help ensure you make the most of your testing supplies, especially as public health guidelines continue to evolve.
What to do if you feel symptoms or test positive?
If you are feeling sick, including symptoms like coughing, sneezing, fever, or sore throat, officials recommend residents stay home and inform friends and family of the symptoms of illness and are cautious of gathering if they show signs of infection.
Individuals testing positive should stay away from others until they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and symptoms have resolved, per L.A. County Public Health recommendations.
Masking around others is still preferred to reduce transmission and is strongly recommended by public health officials for at least 10 days after testing positive or the beginning of symptoms.
