Here's how to get 4 more free COVID-19 tests from the federal government

Rapid tests
Photo credit (Getty Images)
By , KCBS Radio

Americans can now order a second set of free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government.

The four additional iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid tests – announced by President Joe Biden during last week's State of the Union address – doubles the number of tests initially guaranteed when the federal government's program debuted in earlier this year.

When it went live in January, the website to order the testing kits was immediately slammed with orders as the omicron variant of the coronavirus surged across the country, causing spikes in new cases and hospitalizations.

Demand has since dropped as case rates have plummeted.

Anyone that's not yet ordered any COVID-19 tests through the federal program can now receive up to eight testing kits in total. The tests will be shipped by the United States Postal Service beginning this week, pending supply.

 free iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid tests from the federal government sit on a U.S. Postal Service envelope after being delivered on February 04, 2022 in San Anselmo, California.
free iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid tests from the federal government sit on a U.S. Postal Service envelope after being delivered on February 04, 2022 in San Anselmo, California. Photo credit Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

To get the additional COVID-19 tests, visit the federal government's website and click "Order Free At-Home Tests." Users will be asked to enter their name and residential address before the order can be placed.

Those who order the at-home tests will be able to track shipments and expected delivery dates.

Of the 480 million at-home testing kits available via the federal government, less than half were reportedly claimed at the end of February. Biden had announced his administration would buy 500 million at-home COVID-19 tests to launch the program but later doubled the order to 1 billion tests.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images