Commanding Your Way Through COVID-19 Tests: A Comprehensive Guide
Guide on Securing Large-Scale, Complimentary COVID-19 Tests for Your Local Community
In the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic, here's the lowdown on scoring those elusive COVID-19 tests, whether you're an individual or a community group. But first, let's settle a score. The government's program that mailed free tests to your doorstep? Closed shop! But fret not, as a backdoor opportunity for bulk orders is still up and running.
Farewell, Free COVID Tests for Individuals via Mail
You may have heard through the grapevine that the government's free test mailing program has bitten the dust. True story! Official word on covidtests.gov states, "Tests ordered before 8:00 PM EDT, Sunday, March 9, 2025, will be shipped." So, that's that. No more free tests for Joe Public.
Supposedly rumors swirled that the government's stash of COVID tests would go up in smoke, but, as things stand, no confirmation it's been torched. If you're craving a free test, try these locators to find places providing government-funded tests:
- HRSA health center locator
- Test-to-treat locations
- ICATT testing locations (free if you're uninsured and exposed to COVID)
The Secret World of Free COVID Tests for Community Groups
For community organizations hoping to score some cashless COVID tests, there's a lesser-known loophole available! Although there's no central website to explain the program, mutual aid groups have been passing around a spreadsheet and instructions for ordering tests via a government email.
For instance, an Instagram post from Clean Air KC revealed orders successfully placed, sharing brand, expiration date, and box size information. Apparently, the minimum order is 300 tests, and larger orders, like Clean Air KC's 3,000 tests, have been shipped.
And if you're wondering, "How does one join the party?", fear not! You can email [email protected], providing:
- The number of tests requested
- Delivery address
- Contact information for the test recipient
- Your group's name or purpose
Community groups like food banks, libraries, religious organizations, or informal groups can request tests, provided they intend to distribute them free of charge. Just remember, no reselling!
Organizations have been using a "spreadsheet as a form" for placing orders, but it's unclear if it's strictly necessary. Older nursing home organization pages (like this one) suggested that requesters needed long-term care facility CLIA certification or a CLIA waiver, but that seems to be a thing of the past. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response assured me that "any organization" intending to distribute tests for free can order them.
So, there you have it! Arm yourself with this insider knowledge, and arm your community with those essential COVID-19 tests. Channel your inner hustler and start requesting!
- Even though the government's program for mailing free COVID-19 tests to individuals has ended, community organizations can still order them in bulk.
- To order free COVID-19 tests for a community group, one can email [[email protected]], providing details such as the number of tests requested, delivery address, contact information, and the group's name or purpose.
- Community groups like food banks, libraries, religious organizations, or informal groups can request free COVID-19 tests as long as they intend to distribute them without charge, and there is no requirement for long-term care facility CLIA certification or a CLIA waiver.
