All U.S. households can order up to four free, in-home rapid antigen tests by going to covidtests.gov. Shipping is also free, and the rapid tests are expected to arrive within seven to 12 days.
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the at-home tests can detect the presence of the virus, so you know if you are infected or not.
Take an at-home test
- if you begin having COVID symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
- at least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID, or
- when you are going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
Results will be available within 30 minutes after swabbing the inside of your nostrils. The tests work whether or not you are currently experiencing symptoms. If you test positive, the CDC recommends staying home and isolating for five days, wearing a mask around others, and avoiding indoor gatherings to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Need a test sooner?
If you are currently experiencing symptoms and need a test sooner, find a local community testing site at lafayetteco.gov/COVID. For more on when to use at-home tests, see the latest CDC self-testing guidance.
