Flu and COVID season is here. Time to stock up on test kits.
COVID is back and so are free COVID test kits from the federal government. Starting today, you can order four free test kits per household through COVIDtests.gov.
The tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants and are intended for use through the end of 2023. The kits will include instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates. Many kits have had their expiration dates extended beyond what may be printed on the packaging.
You don’t have to pay for shipping, and you’ll never be asked for a credit card or bank account number. You only need to give a name and shipping address. If you’d like an email confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service, you can submit your email address. Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer. So, remember:
- Only go to COVIDtests.gov to order your free test kits from the federal government. When you click to order, you’ll be redirected to special.usps.com/testkits. If you’re following a link from a news story, double-check the URL that shows in your browser’s address bar.
- No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government to ask for your information to “help” you order free kits. Don’t give out your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. Do not respond. Instead, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you're in a hurry, or if you need more than four kits, they're readily available at most drug stores and online at Amazon, Walmart, Target and elsewhere.