The Biden Administration has launched a website that Americans can use to order free COVID-19 at-home tests.
And CNN reported that the administration also plans to make 400 million N95 mask available for free, beginning next week. They will be available through pharmacies and community health centers.
In the case of the COVID-19 tests, the government site includes a link to a special USPS webpage and an electronic form to order the tests. Each household address is allowed to order four tests. Orders are expected to begin shipping at the end of the month.
All orders in the continental United States will be shipped through First Class Package Service, with shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. Territories, and APO, FPO, and DPO addresses sent through Priority Mail.
The administration also plans to launch a free telephone line, so people also can phone in their test orders.
The administration had previously announced plans to distribution 500 million at home tests via the website and has 420 million tests ordered to date. This is part of a longer-range commitment to distribute 1 billion tests for free. So far, “tens of millions” are currently in a warehouse and are ready to pack and ship.
“Equity is a top priority for us here, too. We’re taking a number of steps to ensure this program reaches our hardest-hit and highest-risk communities,” an administration official said at a news briefing about the tests. “This includes working with national and local organizations with deep experience serving communities of color, people with disabilities, and other high-risk communities to serve as navigators who will raise awareness about this program and help people submit their requests for tests.”
