Testing is an important tool to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. To help ensure Americans have tests on hand if a need arises, the Biden Administration is purchasing one billion at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests to give to Americans for free. A half-billion tests will be available for order on January 19th and will be mailed directly to American households.
- Ordering Process: Starting on January 19th, Americans will be able to order a test online at COVIDTests.gov. To ensure broad access, the program will limit the number of tests sent to each residential address to four tests. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days of ordering.
- Distribution Process: The Administration will partner with the United States Postal Service to package and deliver tests to Americans that want them. All orders in the continental United States will be sent through First Class Package Service, with shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. Territories and APO/FPO/DPO addresses sent through Priority Mail.
- Ensuring Equity and Access: The Administration is taking a number of steps to ensure this program reaches the hardest-hit and highest-risk communities. This includes prioritizing processing orders to communities that have experienced a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases and deaths; launching a free call line for Americans who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support ordering tests; and, working with national and local organizations with deep experience serving communities of color, people living with disabilities, and other high-risk communities to serve as navigators, raise awareness about the program, and help people submit requests.
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