Government announces more COVID-19 tests can be ordered through mail for no cost
Americans will be able to order up to four COVID-19 nasal swab tests delivered to their home free of charge starting in late September
By AMANDA SEITZ
Published - Aug 23, 2024, 03:03 PM ET
Last Updated - Aug 23, 2024, 03:03 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) —
On the heels of a summer wave of COVID-19 cases, Americans will be able to get free virus test kits mailed to their homes, starting in late September.
U.S. households will be able to order up to four COVID-19 nasal swab tests when the federal program reopens, according to the website, COVIDtests.gov. The U.S. Health and Human Services agency that oversees the testing has not announced an exact date for ordering to begin.
The tests will detect current virus strains and can be ordered ahead of the holiday season when family and friends gather for celebrations, an HHS spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Over-the-counter COVID-19 at-home tests typically cost around $11, as of last year.
