Free At-Home COVID Tests Now Available from the Federal Government

Looking for at-home COVID-19 tests? The federal government is giving out free rapid tests. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home tests beginning in late September 2024. To order, go to covid.gov/tests.

You can also find free COVID-19 rapid tests in the lobby of the Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) at 119 Windsor Street.

Already have at-home tests, but worried they might have expired? Check the FDA website to see if your COVID-19 tests’ expiration dates have been extended. The FDA information is updated regularly. An extended expiration date means that the manufacturer provided data showing that the test shelf life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized. This means the test kit still gives valid results.

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, please take a test! If you test positive, stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick). You can go back to your normal activities (while wearing a mask) when, for at least 24 hours, both of these things are true:

1. Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
2. You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication) for 24 hours. 

For at least the first 5 days after you resume normal activities, take these extra precautions:

• Avoid crowded indoor spaces. Wear a mask anytime you are indoors around other people. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid spending time with people who are at increased risk for severe disease.

For more detailed information, see the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s website. Remember, the best defense against respiratory illness is getting vaccinated! You can get flu and COVID-19 vaccines at local pharmacies and at upcoming CPHD vaccine clinics.