Get new COVID-19 tests for free
As COVID cases rise across the country, you may be pulling out some rest at home. The rapid test could be a year or two old, even if the packaging says it is expired. Experts say don’t throw it away. The expiration dates for some tests have now been extended by the FDA. YOU CAN CHECK YOURS ON THE FDA WEBSITE. We have a link to it at WCVB.com. YOU WILL NEED THE BATCH NUMBER ON THE PACKAGE, WHICH IS USUALLY LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO THE EXPIRY DATE. And even if your specific test passed that extended expiration date, experts say it could still work. Positive results are usually reliable, even when tests have expired. NEGATIVE RESULTS MAY NOT BE RELIABLE IF LIQUIDS LOOK CLURY OR THE FIRST LINE IS NO
How to get new COVID-19 tests for free
Updated: September 25, 2023, 8:51 a.m. EDT
The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it would provide $600 million to fund new COVID-19 tests. In addition, they go back to the government website to order these free tests. This is an attempt to prevent possible future shortages as the winter months approach and a surge in coronavirus cases – as well as flu and RSV – is expected. Where to Order Orders for the tests can be placed on COVIDTests.gov starting Monday. Every American household can order up to four free tests, which will be shipped free through the U.S. Postal Service. Deliveries begin October 2nd. How long will the tests take? According to the Food and Drug Administration, it should last until the end of the year. Officials added that the tests will also be effective in testing for new variants, including the BA.2.86 variant. With the $600 million in funding, the Biden administration expects to produce about 200 million new over-the-counter COVID-19 tests to meet future needs.
The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it would provide $600 million to fund new COVID-19 tests. In addition, they go back to the government website to order these free tests.
This is an attempt to prevent possible future shortages as the winter months approach and a surge in coronavirus cases – as well as flu and RSV – is expected.
Where to order
Orders for the tests can be placed at COVIDTests.gov starting Monday. Each household can order up to four free tests, which will be shipped free through the U.S. Postal Service.
Deliveries begin October 2nd.
How long will they keep?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, testing is expected to last until the end of the year. Officials added that the tests will also be effective in testing new variants, including the BA.2.86 variant.
With the $600 million in funding, the Biden administration expects to be able to produce approximately 200 million new over-the-counter COVID-19 tests to meet future needs.
