To combat the resurgent COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced the resumption of its nationwide free COVID-19 test shipments, made possible through a generous $600 million investment from the White House.
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 7.7 percent increase in hospital admissions, totaling 20,538, and a 4.5 percent rise in COVID-19-related deaths, reaching 2.3 percent.
As the nation grapples with increasing infection rates, this initiative aims to provide essential support to households nationwide.
A Negative result is shown from a take-home COVID-19 test kit on January 10, 2022, in Los Angeles, California, provided to students ahead of their return to Los Angeles Unified School District campuses today amid a countywide surge in COVID-19 cases. - Tens of thousands of Los Angeles Unified School District students returned to classes today after the winter break with district requirements for all staff and students to be tested for COVID-19 from the thousands of take-home test kits provided to students with a negative result allowing entry. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)
USPS' Free COVID Test Program
Since January 2022, USPS has played a vital role in the battle against COVID-19 by delivering free at-home COVID-19 tests to American households.
CNET tells us that the program supplied 20 free tests per household in its earlier phases. However, the initiative encountered hurdles when it was temporarily halted in September 2022 due to depleted test supplies and funding shortages.
It was subsequently reactivated in December 2022, only to face another hiatus following the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2023.
The resurgence of COVID-19 cases across the nation has raised concerns among individuals and families seeking to protect themselves.
USPS' decision to reinitiate free test shipments couldn't come at a more crucial time as it aligns with the urgent need for widespread testing.
Streamlined Process for Accessing Free COVID-19 Tests
One remarkable aspect of the USPS program is its simplicity.
Ordering free COVID-19 tests from the Postal Service is an effortless process that takes less than two minutes. First, visit special.USPS.com/testkits. You can also get there via covidtests.gov.
Applicants are only required to fill out a brief form with their name and mailing address, and the tests are shipped within approximately one to two weeks.
A toll-free phone number (800-232-0233) is available for test requests for those without internet access or facing difficulties with online orders.
Mark Your Calendar: September 25
Starting Monday, September 25, 2023, USPS will begin accepting orders for the latest round of free COVID-19 tests.
The process remains user-friendly, ensuring individuals can access this critical resource without complications.
Once an order is successfully placed, tests are typically dispatched within seven to twelve days and delivered by USPS within one to three days.
This swift turnaround time is a significant advantage for those eager to access testing.
Exploring Alternative Options
Beyond USPS, there are alternative avenues for obtaining free COVID-19 tests across the United States.
These include HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations, and ICATT testing sites offering similar testing services.
While USPS remains a convenient option, these alternatives ensure that individuals have multiple resources at their disposal.
The revival of USPS' nationwide free COVID-19 test shipments is a significant step in combating the ongoing pandemic.
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Related Article: US to Resume Distribution of Free at-Home COVID-19 Tests as Hospitalizations Increase
