My wife Natalie is home sick and when she tested at home for Covid (she’s negative), I was reminded of something that’s been on my to-do list: Order more Covid tests. The U.S. government recently announced that every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests. I had made a note to myself to order them the day they made the announcement but realize now that it actually took longer to write down “order more free Covid tests” than it took to actually order them.
Whether you had Covid recently or not, it’s a good idea to stock up on tests, especially when they’re free. The best way to protect others from the nasty virus and any other one you’re carrying, is to stay home and if you have air travel plans, take advantage of the airlines’ no change fees, one of the best things to come out of the pandemic.
It’s also wise to test yourself if you’re feeling sick so you know how long to stay home. The CDC says they’re bringing “a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV.”
According to the CDC’s new guidance, “for people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.”
Covid tests aren’t cheap so if you want to save some money, then order some tests from the U.S. government. You can now order your sixth round for free.
As in the past, it takes just 10 seconds to order the tests, especially if your computer has your information pre-populated like mine does. Just input your name and shipping address and that’s it. The website is COVIDTests.gov, and each residential address is eligible for four tests. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days of ordering.
FYI: Many old tests that have expired dates listed on the box have been given an extended expiration. The Food and Drug Administration’s website will let you know if that’s the case for any of your remaining tests at home.
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Thanks for this timely info – we placed our order right away.
Never got a COVID test, ever.
Thank you for the reminder. I just order new test for this coming winter. Fall/Winter seems to be when Covid seems to be it most rampant.