by Tayo Editorial Desk Staff | Published on May 24, 2022 – Updated on May 24, 2022

As more transmissible sub-variants of Omicron rages across parts of the world, another round of free COVID-19 test kits is now available for the American public.

“As the highly transmissible sub-variants of Omicron drive a rise in cases in parts of the country, free and accessible tests will help slow the spread of the virus,” according to a statement from the Biden administration last May 17, 2022.

So how do you get your hands on these free test kits?

A simple way would be to go to the website https://www.covid.gov/tests and click on the button link which will take you to the US Postal Service ordering site to fill out your order details. The site also offers the following 1-800 numbers for assistance in ordering, 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

The Tayo Help Desk Call Center is available to provide assistance in ordering over the phone (note that details for the order will be asked over the phone by our representative) by calling 1-800-899-5090 available daily from 9 AM-5 PM Pacific. Calls are offered both in English and Filipino.

Remember that the free test kits are Rapid Antigen At-Home Tests, not RT-PCR tests. Each order will consist of 8 Rapid Antigen test kits which will come in two separate packages (4 kits each), each with its own tracking number. The packages are shipped for free.

These tests can be taken anywhere and would give you results in 30 minutes plus there’s no need to drop them off at a lab. These are also referred to as OTC test kits or self-tests and work whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms, or whether or not you are updated with your COVID-19 vaccination. 

It’s best practice to take these tests if you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, fever, loss of sense of taste or smell, and if you came in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 5 days, according to the CDC. It is also advisable to take this test prior to going to a gathering especially if you will be in contact with those at risk of severe disease or not updated with their COVID-19 vaccination.

The government website https://www.covid.gov/tests further provides guidance on what to do next if you test positive referring to CDC guidance for isolation. It also refers to CDC guidance for self-testing if you test negative. 

Testing is only one step to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and others from COVID-19 and highly encourages wearing well-fitted face masks, social distancing, and getting up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

1. With reports from covid.gov and whitehouse.gov briefing room statements and releases dated May 17, 2022