COVID-19 testing kits are available to order from the government. Photo: Kelly Tyko, Axios
Americans can now order up to eight additional free coronavirus tests from the government online.
Driving the news: COVID-19 cases and even deaths are ticking back up in many parts of the country.
Flashback: The at-home COVID test program, which first launched in January, initially allowed for four free tests per residential address, regardless of how many lived in a household. Then in March, another four kits could be requested.
What's happening: This time, households can order eight rapid antigen tests that will come in two separate packages of four kits, according to the U.S. Postal Service website.
- The tests are available at no cost and ship for free.
- The test kits can be ordered at COVID.gov, which then directs to the USPS website.
- For those who can't order through the website, there's also a hotline, 1-800-232-0233.
The big picture: "To promote broad access, the program allows 3 orders of free at-home tests (16 tests total) per residential address," an update to the frequently asked questions on Covid.gov states.