CORONAVIRUS: Feds’ free-tests website now taking orders; state’s price-gouging alert

Two notes today about home tests for COVID-19:

ONLINE ORDERING BEGINS FOR FREE TESTS: The federal government wasn’t expected to launch this until tomorrow but it’s up now. You can go here and order up to four home COVID tests per household to be mailed to you. Wondering what kind of tests? From the website:

The tests available for order:

-Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
-Can be taken anywhere
-Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
-Work whether or not you have COVID-⁠19 symptoms
-Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-⁠19 vaccines
-Are also referred to self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests

The tests will take at least a week to arrive, the site says.

IF YOU’RE BUYING HOME TESTS … the state Attorney General’s Office has a warning for you about price-gouging. The office says it’s been receiving complaints including online ads offering tests for more than triple their retail price. You can file a price-gouging complaint about this or anything else by going here.

17 Replies to "CORONAVIRUS: Feds' free-tests website now taking orders; state's price-gouging alert"

  • Michael Waldo January 18, 2022 (2:17 pm)

    Just ordered mine. very easy and fast. We will see how long it takes the Post office to deliver.

  • Julie Ann January 18, 2022 (2:38 pm)

    White House is saying this is still in beta testing as there are glitches. So while you can order one set of 4 tests, you cannot currently order for more than one person. Each household member is supposed to be able to get a set of 4. Multi-dwelling addresses are also getting blocked.https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/01/18/covid-test-website-free-tests/6564197001/it is a simple process if you have internet access. 

  • Pete January 18, 2022 (3:07 pm)

    It took less than 30 seconds to go to the website and place my order. 

  • JJ January 18, 2022 (4:18 pm)

    Wow, that was fast and painless. I always dread government forms, but they only required name and address. Well done.

  • UPSwife January 18, 2022 (5:02 pm)

    Husband saw some come in today to go out for delivery, he’s UPS 

    • WS Res January 18, 2022 (7:47 pm)

      Almost certainly not related to this. 1) It just began today. 2) They’re shipping via USPS, not UPS.

      • Curious January 18, 2022 (9:03 pm)

        Just curious, is it possible the manufacturer shipped the tests via UPS to USPS for USPS to distribute?

        • k January 19, 2022 (7:57 am)

          UPS uses USPS for last-mile delivery in some instances, but UPS would still be the shipper.  The more salient point is that the program just started, so it’s extremely unlikely they’re shipping already.  

  • Mellow Kitty January 18, 2022 (5:35 pm)

    May all government forms be this easy in the future! 😂😂

  • the point? January 18, 2022 (6:12 pm)

    I feel kind of stupid, but what is the point of this?  I mean, obviously for a family of four each person gets to be tested once, but I’m not sure what that will accomplish in the grand scheme of things.  It’s expensive that’s for sure.  Maybe it’s like government cheese.  :)

    • My two cents January 19, 2022 (3:16 am)

      The point of this … is to provide a diagnostic tool to combat the continued evolution of COVID.Example: Someone who has been vaccinated starts to feel “off”. A rapid test will provide that person with a tool to help support the appropriate level of care needed. This will alleviate unnecessary burden on the healthcare delivery systems and drive responsible behavior per the situation (self-quarantine if you test positive). 

  • valvashon January 18, 2022 (7:28 pm)

    That was super fast and easy- and a great way to take advantage of the infrastructure that the Post Office has in place.  How about banking next? P.S.- thanks for the tests Uncle Joe!  Sure is nice to have a President that genuinely cares about others!

  • AlkiGrl January 18, 2022 (9:24 pm)

    Wow, that was easy!

  • CAM January 19, 2022 (6:08 pm)

    The DOH’s website will launch this weekend or sooner with an additional 4-5 tests per address. 

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