The Federal Government Offers Free COVID-19 Tests and N95 Masks @ covidtests.gov
The Federal Government Offers Free COVID-19 Tests and N95 Masks @ covidtests.gov
Tests are available for every residential address in the U.S., including U.S. Territories and overseas military and diplomatic addresses.
How can I order tests and when?
Tests can be ordered online at COVIDtests.gov. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days of ordering.
To place an order, all you need is your name and residential address. No ID, credit card, or health insurance information is required. You may also share your email address to get updates on your order.
How to Use a Self-Test
Read the complete manufacturer’s instructions for use before using the test. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about the test or your results.
Prepare to Collect a Specimen
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Open the box and follow the instructions included with the self-test to collect your own nasal or saliva specimen.
- If you don’t collect the specimens as directed, your test results may be incorrect.
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When will I get my tests and how will they be delivered?
These tests will be delivered in the mail through the U.S. Postal Service. Tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering.
All orders within the continental United States will be sent through First Class Package Service. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, and overseas military and diplomatic addresses (APO/FPO/DPO) will be sent through Priority Mail.
When should I use my tests?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take an at-home test:
- If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
- At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, or
- When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
How to Collect an Anterior Nasal Swab Specimen for COVID-19 Testing
Use only an authorized specimen collection kit given to you by your healthcare provider or personnel at the testing center, or purchased over the counter in a pharmacy or other store. Follow the instructions included with the specimen collection kit which may be used on-site or at home. Use only materials provided in the kit to collect and store or mail the specimen, unless the kit says to do otherwise. These instructions can also be used with self-testing kits if the kit specifies anterior nasal swab collection.
Set-up
1. Disinfect the surface where you will open the collection kit. Remove and lay out contents of kit. Read instructions before starting specimen collection.
2. Wash hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Specimen collection
3. Remove the swab from the package. Do not touch the soft end with your hands or anything else.
4. Insert the entire soft end of the swab into your nostril no more than ¾ of an inch (1.5 cm) into your nose.
5. Slowly rotate the swab, gently pressing against the inside of your nostril at least 4 times for a total of 15 seconds. Get as much nasal discharge as possible on the soft end of the swab.
6. Gently remove the swab.
7. Using the same swab, repeat steps 4–6 in your other nostril with the same end of the swab.
8. Place the swab in the sterile tube and snap off the end of the swab at the break line, so that it fits comfortably in the tube. Place the cap on the tube and screw down tightly to prevent leakage.
9. Wash hands or re-apply hand sanitizer.
10. Place the tube containing the swab in the biohazard bag provided and seal the bag. Returning the specimen and clean-up
11. Give the bag with the swab to testing personnel or follow the instructions for returning the specimen for testing.
12. Throw away the remaining specimen collection kit items.
13. Wash hands or re-apply hand sanitizer.
