White House Offers Another Round of COVID Tests by Mail

December 15, 2022

Americans can order another round of free COVID-19 tests from the federal government starting today.

The news comes as public health leaders continue to watch the rise of COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses ahead of the winter holidays. Federal officials said they used existing funding to add more at-home COVID-19 tests to the nation’s total stockpile.

“While COVID-19 is not the disruptive force it once was, the virus continues to evolve, and cases are on the rise again as families are spending more time indoors and gathering for the holidays,” the White House said in a statement.

Here’s what you need to know:

• How to order:  You can order the free at-home COVID-19 tests online or call (800) 232-0233 (TTY: 888-720-7489).
• Total tests:  The latest round allows households to order another set of four at-home COVID-19 tests.
• Check the dates:  Before discarding “expired tests” check to see if the expiration dates have been extended.
• Arrival:  Orders for this round of testing will begin to ship starting the week of December 19 and continue in the weeks ahead.
• Quotable:  “COVID-19 testing is an important tool to help mitigate and slow the spread of the virus,” the White House said in a statement. “The administration is encouraging Americans to use at-home COVID-19 tests when they have symptoms of COVID-19, before and after traveling for the holidays, or visiting indoors with immunocompromised or vulnerable individuals.”

HAP joins organizations around the country encouraging everyone to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines and to follow the latest guidelines for testing and treatment. Ahead of the winter holidays, it’s especially important to monitor your COVID-19 status and take an at-home test if:

• You experience fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell.
• You are at least five days after close contact with someone with COVID-⁠19.
• You are planning to see a group of people, especially those at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their vaccines.

Additional information about the White House’s COVID-19 winter preparedness plan is available online.