Title: USPS Continues to Ship Free COVID-19 Tests as Cases Rise
Subtitle: Americans encouraged to order free tests in preparation for potential fall and winter surge
Date: [Current Date]
As COVID-19 cases surge across the country, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is offering free COVID-19 tests to help Americans arm themselves against the virus. This initiative is made possible through a $600 million investment from the White House, allowing every household in the US to order up to four tests. The ordering process takes less than two minutes to complete.
Since January 2022, the USPS has intermittently accepted orders for free COVID-19 tests, with a history of delivering four rounds of tests to households. Previous rounds totaled 20 tests per household. The program was briefly paused in September 2022 due to a shortage of tests and funding but was restarted in December. It was then temporarily halted after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency in May this year. The resumption of the program aligns with rising hospitalization rates and projections of increased infection rates during the fall season.
To order the free tests from USPS, individuals can visit the special USPS website or access it through CovidTests.gov. The ordering process is straightforward and does not require any credit or debit card information. Users will need to provide their name and mailing address, and the tests will be shipped within one to three days after being sent out.
For those without internet access or facing difficulties ordering online, a toll-free phone number, 800-232-0233, is available to request the free tests.
The duration of the free COVID-19 tests availability is currently uncertain, so it is advised to place orders early.
Alternative Free Testing Options
Beyond the USPS program, there are three other main avenues for accessing free COVID-19 testing in the US: HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations, and ICATT testing sites.
HRSA health centers, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, offer free COVID-19 testing. By using HRSA’s locator tool, individuals can find the nearest health center that provides free testing. The tool allows users to adjust their search radius to identify more options.
Test to Treat is a federally funded healthcare initiative that offers both COVID-19 testing and treatment for infections. The Test to Treat center locator operates similarly to the HRSA locator tool, aiding in finding eligible centers and providing information on therapeutics offered.
Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) is a program focused on providing free COVID-19 testing specifically for uninsured individuals showing symptoms or recent exposure to the virus. However, anyone can access ICATT testing regardless of insurance status. The ICATT locator tool helps individuals locate testing sites and schedule appointments.
Free COVID-19 Vaccines and Booster Shots
As the CDC recently recommended updated booster shots for everyone aged 6 months or older, access to free vaccines remains crucial. The Department of Health and Human Services ensures that COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free for all individuals in the US. Uninsured individuals can obtain free vaccines through the Bridge Access Program, available until December 2024 via local health departments and HRSA centers. Additionally, the CDC has partnered with over 20,000 retail pharmacy locations nationwide to offer free vaccines and has integrated this into the ICATT program.
It is recommended that individuals take advantage of the USPS free testing program and other options for testing, treatment, and vaccination to protect themselves and their communities against COVID-19.
[Author Name] – Staff Writer