In early 2022, the government started allowing people in the United States to order a limited number of free coronavirus test kits. This program has been suspended for the past several months. With cases now surging in many parts of the country, this is once again being brought back, just in time for the holidays.
In this post:
Request four free coronavirus tests
Households in the United States can now order free coronavirus test kits, delivered directly to their homes via USPS:
- This offer is open even to those who have already received free test kits in the past
- The order includes a total of four rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
- Orders will ship starting the week of Monday, December 19, 2022
The process of requesting free test kits is extremely easy — you just have to provide your name, email address, and shipping address, and no payment is required. I just went through the process of requesting these, and it took less than a minute.
It’s nice how testing is no longer required for travel
When I wrote about the opportunity to order free coronavirus test kits earlier this year, the big question was whether these kits could be used for travel testing requirements. In that sense, I can’t help but reflect positively on how much that requirement has changed this year.
In early 2022, many (most?) destinations still had some sort of testing requirement, while at this point it’s more or less unheard of, outside of Hong Kong and mainland China. That’s fantastic, and shows how much international travel restrictions have been eased this year.
It’s so nice to be able to order tests and use them either prior to a big gathering, or when you’re not feeling well, so that you can protect others, especially those around us who may be more vulnerable. I far prefer that to paying some fake doctor on a Greek island $100 in order to be able to fly back home.
Bottom line
For the first time in several months, it’s possible to order free coronavirus test kits. This comes at a time when coronavirus cases are increasing (though case numbers probably won’t reflect that, given how much less common testing is), and many people will be gathering with friends and family around the holidays.
I’m certainly ordering some test kits, as it’s useful for keeping those around us safe.
Are you ordering these free COVID-19 test kits?
This is helpful. If you're gonna travel for holidays and spend time around people, it's a good idea to test if feeling symptomatic to avoid getting others sick.
Unfortunately these test kits are nearly useless unless you have significant symptoms - when i had covid in january, i tested negative with one after having been in close contact with someone positive (PCR test). Following day I developed a fever. So had I gone to a family event, etc the day I took the test I could have infected everyone. Do not rely on these tests to protect anyone.
They aren’t free if 1. You pay taxes 2. You understand contributing factors of inflation
Thanks for posting this. Regarding your comment about travel testing requirements a number of places still test upon arrival. I think you should be doing some research about it before making some comments off the top of your head. Most probably don't test but many still do.
This is another example of using tax payer money to finance big pharma.
Give the big pharma a break.
These kits retail for $20.
It probably cost them $2 to make but they need those extra for marketing budget to keep the hysteria alive.
They learn this from the great Toilet Paper famine. If only that Charmin bear had convince the public that Covid is poopborne and the government forces you to wipe with N95 TP.
“Free” lol
Covid hysteria is big business
Thanks for posting this. I burned through my supply of tests these past couple of weeks as half my household had COVID, and the other didn't. It's super helpful to be able to have some assurance that you're no longer infectious, so that you don't pass the gift of COVID to others.
I plan to order them and use them in certain situations. I have high risk elderly relatives and I travel nearly every month and consider myself high risk for exposure, not serious illness if I get the virus. I’d rather not expose my elderly relatives and friends in the event that I unknowingly have the virus. It’s the responsible thing to do.
Covid as an actual pandemic is over. No need for this
The pandemic is not over. The World Health Organization will determine when it's over. That people prefer to ignore the pandemic and that some countries have decided to treat it as endemic is something else.
Is this satire?
Covid is over and these tests are garbage. Save yourself the trouble and move on with life.
Found the village idiot.
COVID-19 is not over; I myself just recovered after getting it two weeks ago. The tests are the only way of confirming COVID-19.
HOW SCARY!
If you thought you had it, just stay home. No need to take a test to confirm anything. Just like if you had the flu, you'd stay home and stay away from others. People are so dumb lol.
"People are so dumb lol."
Those in glass houses..... but anyway, since you have trouble figuring this out: there's a difference between noncommunicable illness (let's say, a sinus infection) and an infectious agent (e.g. mild covid, flu, etc).
For those of us how are --I dunno-- about to spend time more time around old people than at any other part of the year, it's a good idea to know which one you may have...
"People are so dumb lol."
Those in glass houses..... but anyway, since you have trouble figuring this out: there's a difference between noncommunicable illness (let's say, a sinus infection) and an infectious agent (e.g. mild covid, flu, etc).
For those of us how are --I dunno-- about to spend time more time around old people than at any other part of the year, it's a good idea to know which one you may have before doing so, especially if it's free and of little effort to do so.
What you said makes zero sense. Go back to school donkey.
Blatant irony is lost on you, huh? lol
Ben, are you aware that Priority Pass announced a few hours ago that folks who have their membership via the Capital One Venture X Visa will no longer have access to non-lounge facilities starting on January 1st? This means no restaurants and spas that are part of the membership.
@Kevin - That was covered a couple of weeks ago:
https://onemileatatime.com/news/capital-one-venture-x-cuts-priority-pass-restaurants/
Obviously I missed it. Thanks for the link!
Thank you for posting this!
Those of us who believe in science appreciate your help in staying on top of COVID news.
COVID-deniers and vaccine-deniers are irredeemably stupid, and one can only pity them.
Science is to be debated, not “believed in”. It’s not a religion. It’s also not as concrete as most mathematics for example. Science involves analyzing past events, making hypothesis, etc. There’s not always one right answer, or need to draw a line in the sand.
"Trust the science" is the mantra of the Canadian PM who probably failed Gd 7 science. Consensus science is basically political propaganda.
The most extensive scientific studies have found that masks at best protect some elderly people a bit. Almost everyone does not wear or change a mask properly/sufficiently to protect themselves.
Some studies have even shown that masks have been responsible for increasing infections. Causation? False security and poor mask usage? No research.
Covid...
"Trust the science" is the mantra of the Canadian PM who probably failed Gd 7 science. Consensus science is basically political propaganda.
The most extensive scientific studies have found that masks at best protect some elderly people a bit. Almost everyone does not wear or change a mask properly/sufficiently to protect themselves.
Some studies have even shown that masks have been responsible for increasing infections. Causation? False security and poor mask usage? No research.
Covid is here to stay. We have to live with it. Better treatments are necessary.
Anecdotally - I've had two Pfizer shots, 1 Pfizer booster and 2 Moderna boosters. I am not stupid enough to believe the nonsense that I am protected. All my cohorts are similarly boosted and most have had Covid after 5 shots. Mild to medium, no deaths.
So vaccines at the moment seem to lessen the risk of major or long Covid. That's all folks.
Anyone who believes that masks and vaccine will eradicate Covid are living in a fantasy land.
@Azamaraal
You had 5 shots and still get Covid?
Maybe you just gave a group of people the proof that boosters doesn't work.
It didn't take only 3 years for people to realize the earth isn't flat.
"The most extensive scientific studies" is way too early for conclusions.
"Consensus science" will be considered facts for many years to come.
Anyone who get 5 vaccine shots thinking it will lessen the risk of major or long Covid are also living in another fantasy land.