The Return of Free COVID-19 Tests: How to Order Yours

**Title: How to Get Free COVID-19 Tests: Everything You Need to Know About the Latest Government Offer**

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**Introduction: Free COVID-19 Tests Are Back—Here’s What You Need to Know**

As COVID-19 continues to weave its way through communities across the country, testing remains one of the most effective tools we have to monitor and control the virus. This fall, the federal government is once again stepping in to help by offering free COVID-19 test kits to U.S. households. But how does this process work? When can you order your tests? And why is testing still so crucial, even as case numbers fluctuate?

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ordering free COVID-19 tests, the latest case trends in Oregon, and the importance of staying vigilant as new variants emerge.

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As we head into fall, the U.S. government has announced that free COVID-19 tests will soon be available to all households again, starting at the end of September. You can order these tests through the official government website, COVIDtests.gov, which has been the go-to platform for accessing free testing resources since the pandemic began. Each household is eligible to receive up to four at-home tests, which will be mailed to you free of charge.

This marks the seventh time in the last three years that the federal government has rolled out a free testing program. Over 900 million tests have been distributed so far, a clear indication of the continued importance of widespread testing in monitoring COVID-19's impact. The exact date for ordering has not yet been announced, but it’s expected to open before the end of September.

With variants like KP.3.1.1 still circulating, these free tests are designed to detect the most common strains currently in the U.S. If you haven’t taken advantage of previous free test rollouts, now is the perfect time to get prepared for the colder months, when COVID-19 tends to spike.

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### **2. COVID-19 Trends in Oregon: What the Data Says**

Oregon, like many states, saw a significant increase in COVID-19 cases over the summer of 2024, with cases peaking in July. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported a dramatic rise, with 433 positive tests in a single week. However, since mid-August, cases have been on the decline, with just 171 positive tests reported for the week ending September 7.

While this downward trend is encouraging, it’s important to remember that these numbers don’t tell the whole story. The OHA relies on people voluntarily reporting positive at-home tests, which means the actual number of cases could be much higher. The state also uses wastewater testing through Oregon State University to monitor the virus’s spread, providing a more comprehensive view of COVID-19 activity.

Communities like Woodburn, Dallas, and Corvallis have seen cases plateau, while areas like Salem are experiencing a steady decrease. However, Silverton and Stayton are showing concerning increases, underscoring the importance of remaining cautious, especially as colder weather pushes more people indoors.

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### **3. Are Your At-Home Tests Expired? Here’s How to Check**

One common concern many people have is whether their at-home COVID-19 tests are still effective, especially if they were ordered months ago. The good news is that some tests may continue to work beyond their printed expiration date. This is because manufacturers have since proven that many tests have a longer shelf-life than originally thought.

To check if your test’s expiration date has been extended, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers a comprehensive table on their website. Simply locate your test’s brand and model, and check for any updates to the expiration date. If the test you have on hand isn’t listed, or if the information points to the expiration date printed on the box, it’s best to adhere to the date provided.

Using expired tests can result in inaccurate results, so taking a moment to verify your test’s validity is a crucial step before using it.

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### **4. Symptoms of COVID-19: What to Look Out For**

As we’ve learned throughout the pandemic, COVID-19 symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another, and new variants may bring with them a slightly different set of symptoms. Additionally, whether or not you’ve been vaccinated can impact how COVID-19 manifests in your body.

According to the CDC, some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it’s a good idea to take an at-home test. Even mild symptoms should be taken seriously, as COVID-19 can still spread easily and lead to severe illness in more vulnerable populations.

If you test positive or feel unwell, it’s essential to stay home and avoid close contact with others. Consider seeking medical advice, particularly if you are at higher risk for severe illness due to underlying conditions or age.

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### **5. Why Testing Still Matters: Staying Ahead of COVID-19 Variants**

While COVID-19 vaccines have significantly reduced the risk of severe illness and death, testing remains a critical tool in our fight against the virus. With new variants like KP.3.1.1 making up a large portion of cases in the U.S., testing helps identify infection early, allowing individuals to take precautions before spreading the virus to others.

Even though we’re no longer in the pandemic’s early stages, COVID-19 continues to circulate and mutate. This means that waves of infections are likely to continue, especially as we move into colder months when people spend more time indoors. Access to at-home tests provides a convenient way to quickly check if you’re infected, helping to prevent outbreaks within households, workplaces, and communities.

By making use of the free tests provided by the federal government, you can stay one step ahead of COVID-19, ensuring that you take the necessary precautions if you test positive.

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**Conclusion: Stay Prepared for the Next Phase of COVID-19**

As we approach the fall and winter of 2024, the return of free COVID-19 tests offers a valuable resource for every household. Testing remains one of the most effective ways to control the spread of the virus, and with new variants circulating, staying prepared is more important than ever. Whether you’re in a region seeing a decrease in cases or a potential uptick, taking advantage of this free testing opportunity can make a significant difference in keeping yourself and your community safe.

Be sure to check COVIDtests.gov later this month to order your free kits and keep them on hand for the upcoming season. And as always, stay informed, follow public health guidelines, and take care of yourself and those around you.

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