Free at-home COVID-19 tests are available after a White House website launch. Here's how to get them.
Residents can now order at-home COVID tests for free through the United States Postal Service, thanks to a new federal government website that officially went live Wednesday.
Four kits per address can be ordered at COVIDtests.gov. Once ordered, the site says you’ll receive email confirmation as well as estimated time of delivery, a tracking number, and other shipping updates. Tests are expected to be mailed within seven to 12 days.
"To promote broad access," however, "the initial program will only allow 4 free individual tests per residential address," according to the section for frequently asked questions on the website.
A credit or debit card isn't needed to order the tests because there is no cost, but you will not be able to select a particular brand of tests as part of the program.
The tests are part of the Biden administration's purchase of 500 million tests last month to help tackle a record surge in infections during the holidays.
Where to find at-home COVID tests
If you are trying to find an at-home test now – before the free tests come through USPS – it can be a daunting task.
But at-home COVID-19 tests are being sold at drug stores and other locations. Some offer rapid results, while others have to be shipped off to a lab to be processed.
They are in short supply, so it may be difficult to find tests in stock. Here are a few places to start your search:
The Biden administration had announced in early January that it would require insurance companies to cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests, beginning Jan. 15, up to eight tests per covered person each month. The tests will either be paid for up front by the person's health plan, or get reimbursed after a claim is submitted.
The administration is also working to provide up to 50 million at-home tests for free to community health centers and other clinics, which will then distribute them at no cost.
More: Where can I get a COVID-19 test in and around Oklahoma City?
Where to get COVID testing in OKC
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department has paused COVID-19 testing at all of its locations "until further notice" as of Feb. 22, 2022.
The Health Department has a list of many other testing locations on its website, testokc.com.
IMMY Labs: IMMY Labs is offering drive-through testing at a number of locations, including Oklahoma City, Norman, Midwest City, and Edmond. Locations and appointment times can be found here.
Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma: Because of a decline in cases, drive-through COVID-19 testing is no longer offered at DLO, but testing is stavailable at most DLO locations throughout the state. Visit DLO's website to find a location and make an appointment.
Walgreens: Tests are available at a number of locations.
CVS: Tests are available at a number of locations.
Walmart: Tests are available at a number of locations. People interested in getting tested can fill out a questionnaire through Quest Diagnostics to determine if they're eligible for a free test without a doctor's order. Combination COVID and flu tests are also available.
Crest Foods: Several Crest grocery store locations are offering drive-through COVID-19 testing, including in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Moore and Midwest City, according to Crest Foods' Facebook page. Weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Curative: PCR or rapid tests available in Oklahoma City by appointment. Some walk-in slots may be available.
Oklahoma COVID Testing Center: PCR or rapid tests in Edmond and The Village by appointment. Walk-ins may also be accepted.
Tower Theatre: Rapid and PCR tests available on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 425 NW 23.
As of Monday, Feb. 21, Oklahoma City Public Schools is offering testing for students, staff as well as family members of students and staff. A full list of testing locations can be found here.
More options: The Oklahoma Health Department has a list of COVID-19 testing sites, many of which are at local health departments across the state. The state Health Department recommends calling ahead before visiting a location.
Don't go to the ER just for COVID testing
But health leaders are also asking people with mild symptoms to avoid going to the emergency room just to get a COVID-19 test.
Oklahoma City hospitals have seen their emergency rooms packed with people seeking testing. They're asking people to use other options for testing and reserve visits to the ER for emergencies.
"While emergency rooms remain ready and able to treat urgent medical conditions, they are not the place to go to get tested for COVID," Patti Davis, president of the Oklahoma Hospital Association, said in a statement.
Related: While omicron symptoms are mild for some, COVID is overwhelming OKC hospital staff, ERs
Davis, in a joint statement with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, urged the public to use one of numerous testing sites across Oklahoma County instead.
"This will enable healthcare providers in emergency rooms to focus on treating urgent medical needs and potentially saving lives," she said.
As COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed after the holidays, so has demand for testing. At-home tests are still hard to come by, but testing is still available at physical locations and is typically provided at no cost. PCR test results generally come back in 24-48 hours, but turnaround times may be longer when demand is high.
When to get a COVID test
Health officials have said to get a test if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Those can include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
People also should get a test if they have had close contact with someone infected with COVID-19, defined as spending 15 or more minutes within 6 feet of an infected person.
(Editor's note: This article was updated on Jan. 19 to reflect the most up-to-date information regarding at-home coronavirus testing availability. Oklahoman reporter Jessie Christopher Smith and USA TODAY reporters Kelly Tyko and Maureen Groppe contributed to this report.)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: You can now get free COVID tests mailed to you. Here's how
