Free COVID tests available again – AgriNews

Here we go again. Another winter, another COVID variant. This one is called XEC, and it’s appearing as a regular right now, taking over from variant KP.3.1.1.

It’s time to get out the at-home COVID test kits and keep them handy. The problem with the test kits is that all the free kits we have ordered for the past few years have now expired and have no further extension dates.

Some of us, in order to keep the tests at hand at home, have spent a lot of money at the pharmacies to buy some.

Now, thankfully, the government is releasing millions of kits from their stockpile to be sent out free of charge to those who want them.

If you would like to order a free test kit, do not hesitate. Go online to CovidTests.gov and as in previous years, you can sign up to receive four test kits. These will be delivered by the Post Office.

Be prepared when you receive your test kits – the expiration dates will likely have come and gone.

However, they have already extended the dates for all the test kits they are sending out right now. The dates won’t be far off, but should get you through several months of testing.

To check the expiration dates for the tests you receive, go back to CovidTests.gov order page and click on “FDA’s List of Extended Expiry Dates.” Scroll down to find your tests and check the box with the new expiration dates.

We are told that the older test kits will still be effective on the current COVID variations that are out there now.

If you or a family member should test positive and are wondering how you will pay for treatment, scroll down the same CovidTests.gov page and see the link to available treatment options and the patient assistance programs.

Stay healthy!