Americans can now go to covidtests.gov and order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 tests. This latest round will provide eight free tests per household, bringing to 16 the total number of tests people can request to be mailed to their homes.
There is no cost for the tests or for the shipping, which is being done by the U.S. Postal Service.
“As the highly transmissible subvariants of omicron drive a rise in cases in parts of the country, free and accessible tests will help slow the spread of the virus,” says a White House fact sheet announcing the latest round.
The increased availability of free at-home tests is being announced the day after the number of U.S. deaths from COVID-19 reached 1 million and as cases, hospitalizations and deaths are climbing.
The government began offering the free tests in January and since then 350 million have been sent to people’s homes.
Individuals who have difficulty accessing the internet or just need help placing an order can call 800-232-0233 from 8 a.m. to midnight ET, seven days a week.
Assistance is available in English, Spanish and 150 other languages.