Mission: To help ensure Americans have COVID-19 tests on hand if a need arises.

Background: Public health experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that Americans use at-home COVID-19 tests if they begin to have symptoms, at least five days after coming in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is gathering indoors with a group of people who are at risk of severe disease or unvaccinated. To that end, the Biden administration has purchased a billion at-home rapid COVID-19 tests that will be mailed directly to American households. The program will work to ensure that Americans have the tools available to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by ordering a test online at COVIDTests.gov. In addition, the administration will partner with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to package and deliver tests and is taking several steps to ensure that the program reaches the hardest-hit and highest-risk communities, including prioritizing households experiencing the highest social vulnerability and communities that have experienced a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases and deaths, particularly during the COVID-19 Omicron surge. This includes working with national and local organizations with deep experience serving communities of color, people living with disabilities, and other high-risk communities to serve as navigators, raise awareness about the program, and help people submit requests. The administration will also launch a free call line so that Americans who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support can phone in orders for their tests.

Outstanding Web Features: Each household can order up to four tests by tapping the button that reads “Order Free At-Home Tests” and then by providing a name, email address, and shipping address. Successfully ordered COVID-19 tests are expected to be delivered by USPS within 7-12 days, starting in late January 2022. The site also links to other testing resources if one is needed sooner. Visitors to the site can find out more information about at-home tests available at retailers and pharmacies, insurance reimbursement, and where to find a testing site. There is also a FAQ to answer questions about testing, information about staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, what to do if you test positive or negative according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more information on vaccines and boosters.