Free Covid-19 tests are available again. Here's how to get them

CNN
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People in the United States can now order more free Covid-19 tests from the federal government as the country enters respiratory virus season and high levels of the coronavirus are already circulating.

Each household is eligible to receive four at-home testing kits, which can be requested starting today at COVIDTests.gov. Shipping will be free via the US Postal Service starting next week.

This is the seventh round of distribution of the program, which has delivered more than 900 million free tests directly to U.S. residents since its launch in winter 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

It takes about 30 minutes for the rapid antigen tests to produce results. This next set of tests will be able to detect variants currently circulating and can be used to test people who have and do not have Covid-19 symptoms, as well as those whose Covid-19 symptoms are up to date stand. 19 vaccinations and those that are not.

“The reopening of this popular program is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that over-the-counter COVID-19 testing is available to everyone who wants it this fall and winter,” said Dawn O', Assistant Secretary for HHS preparation and response. Connell said in a statement. “Before you visit your family and friends this holiday season, take a rapid test and help protect them from COVID-19.”

Available tests also include an option with features that make it easier to use for people with disabilities that affect dexterity or vision. For more information about ordering these tests, visit ACL.gov/AccessibleTests.

“COVID-19 testing can help you find out if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, such as: “For example, by seeking treatment to reduce the risk of serious illness and by taking steps to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others,” it said to the HHS Strategic Preparedness and Response Administration.

To curb the spread of Covid-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who test positive stay home and away from others until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours.

The US Food and Drug Administration recommends that people take several rapid tests to make sure they do not have Covid-19: two negative tests for those with symptoms and three for those without symptoms, taken 48 hours apart become.

The CDC also recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older receive an updated Covid-19 vaccine this season to stay current.

This year there are several options available; mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer have been updated to target KP.2, one of the so-called FLiRT variants that have been dominant in the US since May. These vaccines are intended for people ages 6 months and older. A more traditional protein vaccine from Novavax is also available, but this one targets JN.1, a variant that is still in circulation but less prominent than it was a few months ago. The Novavax vaccine is only approved for people ages 12 and older.

The updated Covid-19 vaccines are now available at pharmacies across the U.S. and can be received at the same time as the annual flu shot.

“The best plan for this winter is for everyone to remain vigilant and take advantage of the tools at our disposal: vaccinations, testing, treatment against the diseases that account for most deaths and hospitalizations in the fall and winter,” CDC said. Director Dr. Mandy Cohen last week.

CNN's Brenda Goodman contributed to this report.