US CDC Considers Changing COVID Isolation Guidelines, Free Tests Still Available
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reportedly considering a shift in its current COVID isolation guidelines. According to the Washington Post, the CDC plans to ask individuals who have tested positive for COVID to isolate until they have been without fever for at least 24 hours and their symptoms are mild and steadily improving. While nothing has been confirmed by the CDC yet, this potential change could have significant implications for individuals dealing with COVID infections.
In the meantime, if you’re concerned about COVID-19 and want to ensure you have access to tests for yourself and your family, there’s good news. The US Postal Service has been offering free COVID-19 tests since January 2022, and you can still order them. The program was temporarily paused due to a lack of tests and funding but was restarted in September 2023. Currently, you can order four free tests per household, and if you haven’t ordered any tests since September, you can place two orders for a total of eight tests.
Ordering the free tests from the Postal Service is a straightforward process. You can visit special.USPS.com/testkits or covidtests.gov to access the website. From there, you’ll need to provide your contact details and shipping information. The best part is that you won’t be asked for any credit or debit card details as both the tests and shipping are completely free. If you don’t have internet access or have trouble ordering online, you can call 800-232-0233 to request the tests.
It’s important to note that the availability of free COVID-19 tests may not last indefinitely, so it’s recommended to place your order soon. The tests are typically sent out within seven to 12 days of ordering and are delivered by the Postal Service within one to three days of shipping.
In addition to the free tests offered by the Postal Service, there are other avenues to access free COVID testing, treatment, and vaccines. HRSA health centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration provide free COVID-19 testing. You can use HRSA’s locator tool to find a center near you and follow their specific instructions for obtaining a free test.
The Test to Treat program is another option that offers both COVID testing and treatment for infections. This federally funded initiative aims to make COVID-19 care more accessible. You can use the Test to Treat locator tool to find an eligible center near you and schedule your COVID test.
For uninsured individuals who need access to free COVID-19 testing, the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program is available. ICATT offers free testing to uninsured patients who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have recently been exposed. The ICATT locator tool allows you to find ICATT locations near you and schedule your appointment.
When it comes to COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, they are crucial for protection against the virus. The Department of Health and Human Services ensures that COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free for every individual living in the United States. The Bridge Access Program, launched by the Department of Health and Human Services, provides free vaccines to uninsured individuals through local health departments and HRSA centers. Additionally, the CDC has partnered with over 20,000 retail pharmacy locations nationwide to provide free vaccines through the modified ICATT program.
To access free COVID-19 vaccines, you can visit vaccines.gov and select the “Bridge Access Program Participant” option to find locations offering no-cost vaccines.
In conclusion, while the CDC considers changing its COVID isolation guidelines, individuals can still take advantage of free COVID-19 tests provided by the US Postal Service. It’s essential to stay informed about the availability of these tests and other options for free testing, treatment, and vaccines. By taking advantage of these resources, individuals can prioritize their health and the well-being of their loved ones during the ongoing pandemic.
