The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) is encouraging residents to take advantage of free COVID-19 tests available to all households in the United States. The tests are being distributed through the U.S. Postal Service, with each household eligible to receive up to four at-home test kits. The announcement was made on October 4, 2024, by the NYS DOH.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald urged all households to order their free COVID-19 tests, stating that the entire process takes less than 30 seconds to complete. He emphasized the importance of testing, especially as the respiratory illness season approaches. "I encourage every household to take advantage of this federal program and order your free COVID-19 tests today, said Dr. McDonald.
The tests available from COVIDTests.gov are self-tests called antigen tests and provide rapid results in 15-30 minutes. These tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends checking the expiration date of tests as expired tests may no longer be effective and could fail to detect the virus.
The NYS DOH also reminded all eligible New Yorkers to get the 2024-2025 vaccine ahead of the respiratory illness season. To order free tests, residents can visit COVIDTests.gov.