How to order free at-home COVID tests from the USPS, per officials' recommendations

Aaron A. Bedoya, El Paso Times
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El Paso County is encouraging residents to order free COVID-19 tests from the federal government.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday the site was in its beta phase to allow troubleshooting ahead of Wednesday's official launch day. The website is COVIDTests.gov, which directs people to a U.S. Postal Service site.

Americans are supposed to be able to order four kits per address. Once ordered, tests are expected to be mailed within seven to 12 days.

COVID numbers: El Paso County recorded 41 deaths, 8,284 infections last week

Ordering USPS free COVID test kits

A credit card isn't needed to order the tests and there is no cost, unlike the insurance reimbursement program that started Saturday, in which many will have to submit receipts to get the tests free.

The tests are part of the Biden administration's purchase of 500 million tests last month to help tackle a record surge in infections.

Young school girl doing a Covid self-test at home.Getty Images
Young school girl doing a Covid self-test at home.Getty Images

How many COVID tests per household?

According to the frequently asked questions on the government site, "To promote broad access, the initial program will only allow 4 free individual tests per residential address."

Where is COVID testing near me?: Here are locations in El Paso County

What kind of COVID tests will be sent?

"All tests distributed as part of this program are FDA-authorized at-home rapid antigen tests. You will not be able to choose the brand you order as part of this program," the government says on its website.

Where is COVID testing near me?

Testing is free and available for anyone five years or older with or without symptoms.

Testing is available seven days a week, Monday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Nations Tobin Park, 8831 Railroad Drive

  • County Sports Park, 1780 N. Zaragoza Road

  • University of Texas at El Paso, 3333 N. Mesa St.

The Don Haskins Rec. Center listed below is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Don Haskins Recreation Center, 7400 High Ridge Drive from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Click here to find more testing locations in El Paso County.

USA Today contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Your questions about free at-home COVID tests in El Paso answered