Starting at the end of September, each U.S. household can order four free at-home COVID-19 test kits that can detect the currently circulating COVID variants. Rapid testing helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 by quickly detecting if a person is infected so they can isolate or start treatment. An exact date for when the tests will be available has not been announced, and people should check COVIDTests.gov for the most updated information.

To address the likely rise in rising COVID-19 cases during the fall and winter, the US government will again make free COVID-19 tests available to households in the US. In late September, each household will be given 4 free tests after ordering them on COVIDtests.gov.

COVID-19 tests are effective for longer than initially thought, so expiration dates for many brands have been extended by the FDA. Visit the FDA’s website for updated expiration dates. You will need the test kit to look up the brand, lot number, and original expiration date to see if it has an updated expiration date.

Tests are important in detecting a COVID-19 infection early, so an individual can take isolation measures and avoid spreading the infection to others.

At-home tests can be used if you have COVID-19 symptoms, have come into contact with someone who has a confirmed case, or will come into contact with someone who falls in a high-risk group such as the elderly or immunocompromised. More information on when to use a take-home COVID-19 test can be found on the FDA website linked here.

An exact date for when tests can be ordered has not yet been released, but the tests are expected to be available in late September. In the meantime, you can find a testing location at TestingLocator.CDC.gov. If you are insured, you may also be eligible for free at-home covid tests per month. See your insurance provider's website for details.