Every household in the United States can order more free COVID-19 tests from the federal government. The White House announced Tuesday that each U.S. household can order up to eight rapid antigen tests through covidtests.gov, which will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. This is the third round of free at-home tests offered by the government this year.
As the highly transmissible subvariants of Omicron drive a rise in cases in Loudoun County and elsewhere, health officials say free and accessible tests will help slow the spread of the virus.
Anyone who has difficulty accessing covidtests.gov or who needs additional support placing an order can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Using a COVID-19 Home Test
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, you may consider using a COVID-19 home test.
Even if you don’t have symptoms and have not been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, using a self-test can give you information about your risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. This is especially important before gathering with unvaccinated children, older individuals, those who are immunocompromised or individuals at risk of severe disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers information, including videos, on how to use an at-home test and what to do if you test positive or negative.
COVID-19 Vaccine
The Loudoun County Health Department encourages everyone age 5 and older who is not fully vaccinated to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. In addition, anyone who is eligible is encouraged to get a booster dose. Vaccine is widely available in Loudoun at many medical offices and pharmacies including, but not limited to, CVS, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, Safeway, Walgreens, Walmart and Wegmans. Visit vaccines.gov to find the vaccination site nearest to you.
Protect Yourself and Others
Regardless of your test results, with COVID-19 cases on the rise in Loudoun and the region, public health officials encourage residents to take time to assess their individual and family risks related to the upward trend in case counts, as well as to take additional precautions if necessary.
More Information
Anyone with questions about COVID-19, including interpreting test results, may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at 703-737-8300; or send an email anytime to the Health Department.
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