Federal, state governments expand offer of free at-home COVID tests

After limited availability of rapid tests earlier in the COVID pandemic, both the federal and state government will now be expanding their respective programs that ship tests to your home.

Washington health leaders urge continued mask wearing after mandate lifts

Washington state residents can now order two free COVID home test kits a month, while supplies last. Each kit from the state contains five rapid COVID tests.

The state first launched a site for people to order free tests that would be delivered to their home in January. To start, one test kit was available per household. After running out of test kits in the initial launch, the site closed while the department restocked its kits before opening again for orders later in January, and again for a third round in early February.

“We’re absolutely recognizing the importance of seeing cases come down as well, and when you bring in cases and hospitalizations we’re seeing a markedly better picture than the last time we had a DOH briefing with all of you,” said Dr. Umair Shah, the state’s Secretary of Health, on Wednesday.

To order tests from the state, go to sayyescovidhometest.org. 

In the State of the Union Address earlier this week, President Joe Biden announced that there are still free tests are available for every home in the United States if you haven’t yet ordered. Earlier this year, Americans were able to order four free tests from the federal government to be delivered to their doorstep. If you have already ordered free tests, Biden said you will be able to order another group of tests starting next week, online here.

At-home tests do expire, however, so be sure to check the expiration date.

“They do have an expiration date — it’s usually some number of months, maybe up to 12. You can usually find it on the back or the side of a box,” said Lacy Fahrenbach, deputy secretary for Washington state’s COVID-19 response.

“That really gets to the point of having one or two boxes on hand,” she added. “While these are becoming more and more available, they still are a limited resource, so you don’t need to go fill up a whole pantry.”

To keep home tests in working condition as long as possible, store and use them at room temperature. Low humidity is also best for storage of antigen tests, so if your bathroom fogs up, it may be best to take the tests out of the medicine cabinet.

The KIRO Newsradio Newsdesk contributed to this report.

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