Federal website offering free, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests launches Wednesday
The website will provide 4 at-home rapid tests monthly, free of charge, for all insured households.
TOLEDO, Ohio — A federal website that’ll offer 4 free, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests a month for insured Americans launches Wednesday.
President Joe Biden announced, in a speech to the nation on December 21st of last year, that his administration would be providing these tests free of charge, but many were left wondering how and when.
But last week it was announced that a new website, COVIDtests.gov, will soon allow every insured home in the U.S. to order 4 free, at-home rapid tests, with no shipping fees or the need to enter credit card info.
The White House says it is completing the purchase of some 500 million at-home rapid tests, with over 420 million already purchased. Officials say it will take 7 to 12 days for the tests to ship to individuals, once they’re ordered.
On the local level, there’s one more venue for you to get tested for COVID-19. The UAW Local 12 on Ashland Avenue opened as an additional COVID testing site last week, and provides area residents with just one more testing option.
With reported cases rising and more and people being exposed to the virus, tests are in high demand, especially those at-home rapid tests. But there have been some concerns that those tests, which are being offered at pharmacies and other locations, aren’t accurate. However, one expert says they hold up in comparison to others.
“Rapid tests, there have been some questions online as to how good they are. But those rapid tests are pretty good. They’re actually, at least, as good as a strep test or a flu test that can be done as an outpatient,” said Dr. Jennifer DeLucia of the VProject.
With this new announcement regarding COVID testing, don’t forget that vaccination is still the key to ending this pandemic. To schedule a vaccination or booster appointment, visit gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
