Susan Johnson

The federal government is once again allowing every household to order COVID-19 tests for free at COVIDtests.gov. Beginning on Monday, September 25, you can place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests that will be delivered to your home. According to The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the goal is to be prepared for the fall and winter seasons.

The ASPR is also distributing free at-home tests to schools, nursing homes, community health centers, rural health clinics, food banks, and other locations to make sure communities have widespread access to COVID-19 tests.

These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants, are intended to be used through the end of 2023, and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates.

There are numerous other options to get tested for free, such as free community-based testing sites, including pharmacies, across Connecticut and the rest of the country. I encourage you to contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near you to learn how to access low or no cost COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government. 

The mission of the ASPR is to assist the country in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies and disasters.