Covid-19 test kits are now available to order for free

These kits allow for quick and easy at home testing

Covid-19+test+kits+are+now+available+to+order+for+free

Liam Blasdel, Staffer

As of January 19th, 2022, the U.S. government has begun taking orders for free at home Covid-19 test kits. 

Test kits allow for quick and accurate results for those who use them. These kits are being distributed as part of a new initiative in preventing the spread of Covid-19. 

The kits also allow students and teachers at Smoky Hill to have quick and easy access to information on if they have contracted Covid-19 and to be able to help limit the spread within the school.  

As well as accuracy and speed, quick access to covid results also helps slow the spread. “It was definitely useful, (more) than having to stay in a line at like a Walgreens” said one anonymous senior.  

Currently there will only be 4 test kits sent to each household regardless of family size or occupancy. This is in an effort “to promote broad access,” says the White House. 

This has come with some issues with ordering covid tests in addresses that contain more than one family. The issue is persistent with addresses such as apartment blocks where one occupant has requested the test kits, and this has barred other occupants from requesting kits for themselves. 

As well as the government distributing Covid-19 test kits they are also going to reimburse those who purchase rapid test kits from pharmacies and stores. Purchases of Covid-19 test kits on or after January 15th are encouraged to keep receipts and reach out to their insurance providers 

 

Those who have issues are recommended to contact USPS via their inquiry form.