Two years have passed since we first saw the scale of the Covid-19 epidemic. The Omicron variant is surging despite the brief moment this summer when it felt like we were almost back to normal. Every household in the United States can now request four free tests, including US territories and military addresses. The process is easy, but not perfect.
If you need a test right now, we have a guide to finding the best at- home tests and have outlined the process of ordering and taking tests below. See our guides to the best N95 masks. The rest of our coverage can be found here.
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There is a table of contents.
Here's how to order your tests.
Go to CovidTests.gov. There is a blue bubble on the front page. You can fill out your name and address on the United States Postal Service site. You can get shipping notifications by including your email address. Click the green "Check Out Now" button if you haven't filled in your address yet. It's completely free, including shipping. Only one person should make a request.
If you want to place an order by phone or know someone who doesn't have access to the internet, you can call the helpline. You will most likely be on hold for a while. No one will be able to place orders on your behalf if you call the USPS.
We recommend ordering the tests now and keeping them on hand until you need them. There is no guarantee as to what brand you will get, but the site says these are FDA-authorized at- home rapid antigen tests.
According to the CDC, you should take a test as soon as you start to notice symptoms. If your first test is negative, you should take another test based on the manufacturer's instructions. Most tests come with two tests for this reason, and this is usually within two to three days of the first test. If your test is positive, take another test to make sure.
Do you need to take a test?
Our Guide to 10 Good Rapid At- Home Covid-19 Tests and Where to Find Them can help you find the test you need. There is more information about accuracy. Rapid tests usually show results in about 15 minutes, but they are only 85 percent accurate.
See our guide for more retailers for the tests we recommend. The two starred tests can detect the new variant.
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