COVID-19 Cases Surge Again: US Postal Service Ships Free Tests to Help Fight Fall and Winter Surge
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the US Postal Service is stepping in to assist in the fight against the potential fall and winter surge. Thanks to a $600 million investment from the White House, the Postal Service is shipping free COVID-19 tests to every household in the US. This program has been in operation since January 2022 and has previously delivered four rounds of tests, totaling 20 free tests for each household.
The program was paused in September 2022 due to a shortage of tests and funding, but it was restarted in December and then halted again in May after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. However, with hospitalization rates related to COVID-19 on the rise and infection rates expected to continue growing through the fall, the Postal Service is once again offering free tests to help combat the spread of the virus.
Ordering the free tests is a simple process that takes less than two minutes. Individuals can visit special.USPS.com/testkits or covidtests.gov to provide their contact and shipping information. No credit or debit card details are required as both the tests and shipping are free. For those without internet access or who have trouble ordering online, a toll-free phone number (800-232-0233) is available to request tests.
It is important to note that the duration of the free COVID-19 tests program is unknown. Therefore, it is recommended to place orders early to ensure availability.
In addition to the free tests from the Postal Service, there are other avenues for obtaining free COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines. Three main options include HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations, and ICATT testing sites. HRSA health centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration offer free testing. The Test to Treat program provides both COVID testing and treatment. ICATT, or Increasing Community Access to Testing, offers free testing specifically for uninsured patients.
For individuals seeking free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, the Department of Health and Human Services assures that they are 100% free for every individual in the United States. The Bridge Access Program, launched on September 14, provides free vaccines to the uninsured through local health departments and HRSA centers. The program will continue until December 2024. The CDC has also partnered with retail pharmacy locations to provide free vaccines through the existing ICATT program.
As the fight against COVID-19 continues, these free testing and vaccination options aim to ensure widespread access to essential resources. It is essential for individuals to stay informed and take advantage of these opportunities to protect themselves and their communities.