21 States Have 'Very High' Levels of COVID-19. Here's How You Can Still Get Free COVID Tests (2024)

President Joe Biden isn't the only unlucky person to get infected with COVID-19 lately. According to the CDC, 21 states across the US have "very high" levels of SARS-COV-2 viral levels in wastewater, a strong indicator of COVID infections. The spike in COVID infections this summer is higher than at the same time in 2023, according to PBS.

California was one of the first states this summer to report rising COVID cases, and now any others are following suit. The rise of summer travel and indoor activities due to high temperatures could be reasons for the surge, as could the contagious nature of two new variants -- KP.3 and KP.3.1.1 -- which account for more than 50% of infections, according to the CDC.

Read more:Are Your COVID Tests Really Expired? How to Find Out

Back on March 8, 2024, the Federal Government halted the US Postal Service's free COVID program, which would allow you to order free COVID-19 tests through the USPS. However, hope is not lost when it comes to getting free tests to detect COVID-19 infections. Read on to find out the ways you can still get free COVID testing, as well as how to get your hands on free treatments andCOVID vaccines.

For more, here's what to know about long COVID, and all of the latest information about bird flu in humans.

What are my free COVID-19 testing options?

Now that you can no longer receive tests from the Postal Service, you have three main avenues to find free COVID-19 testing locations across the US: HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations and ICATT testing sites. These options function similarly, but we'll break down the specific steps to find your nearest free testing location.

HRSA health centers offer free COVID-19 testing

21 States Have 'Very High' Levels of COVID-19. Here's How You Can Still Get Free COVID Tests (1)

The Health Resources and Services Administration funds health centers across the US. At these HRSA health centers, you will be able to receive free COVID-19 testing. You can use HRSA's locator tool to find a center near you.

First, select the language you would like to receive your results in. Then simply enter the location you wish to search into the box labeled Location. The locator also allows you to widen your search radius, so you can see all the options your area has to offer.

Once you've found a center that works for you, click through to that particular location's website and follow their specific instructions for obtaining a free COVID-19 test.

Test to Treat locations have COVID testing and medicine

21 States Have 'Very High' Levels of COVID-19. Here's How You Can Still Get Free COVID Tests (2)

Test to Treat is a federally funded health care initiative that provides more accessible COVID-19 care. This option differs from the others in this article as you can use the Test to Treat centers to receive both COVID testing and treatment for infections. Like the other COVID-19 free testing options, Test to Treat has a locator tool that you can use to find an eligible Test to Treat center near you.

The Test to Treat center locatorworks like the other COVID testing search tools. Enter your location into the search bar and the tool will display Test to Treat locations in your area. A sliding bar lets you resize the search radius to capture all of the Test to Treat centers within your area.

Within the Test to Treat locator results, you'll be able to see each location's address, which COVID-19 therapeutics they offer and other special instructions you might need to know to get tested. If there's not an option to schedule a COVID test online through your chosen site, you may need to call.

Increasing Community Access to Testing provides COVID testing for the uninsured

21 States Have 'Very High' Levels of COVID-19. Here's How You Can Still Get Free COVID Tests (3)

Increasing Community Access to Testing, or ICATT, is another free testing program that you can use if you need access to free COVID-19 testing. ICATT works a bit differently than the other programs on this list.

ICATT is specifically designed for uninsured patients who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone can get an ICATT test at one of the program's locations, regardless of insurance status. If you are uninsured and you wish to be tested at an ICATT-eligible site, you will not need to pay for your test. If you are insured, you might need to pay a fee.

TheICATT locator tool works just like the other locator tools for free COVID testing -- input your address or your ZIP code to find ICATT locations near you. There is a search radius adjuster in this locator to tweak your searches to capture the entire area that you want to search.

Once you've found a location, follow your testing site's steps for scheduling your appointment.

How can I get free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots?

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are an important protection against contracting or getting seriously ill from the virus. Since the CDC has recommended updated COVID-19 booster shots for everyone 6 months or older, you might be wondering how to find free COVID-19 vaccines.

If you don't have insurance or a health provider, don't worry. The Department of Health and Human Services websitesays, "COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free for every individual living in the United States."

On Sept. 14, the Department of Health and Human Services launched theBridge Access Program, which will continue to provide free vaccines to those who are uninsured through local health departments and HRSA centers. CDC has also partnered with "more than 20,000 retail pharmacy locations nationwide" to provide free vaccines by modifying the existing ICATT program mentioned above.

The Bridge Access Program will end in December 2024, but until then, you'll be able to access free COVID-19 vaccines. To use it, go to vaccines.gov, choose which shot you want, and then click the "search" button. On the next page, select the option that says "Bridge Access Program Participant" to show which locations offer no-cost vaccines.

For more, learn how your blood type could make you more susceptible to COVID and everything to know about the updated COVID-19 boosters.

Correction, Sept. 21, 2023: An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information about the cost of vaccines for people without insurance. It has been updated with information about how people can get free vaccines.

21 States Have 'Very High' Levels of COVID-19. Here's How You Can Still Get Free COVID Tests (2024)

FAQs

How long until free of COVID? ›

The contagiousness of COVID-19 can vary, but people with mild or asymptomatic illness are usually no longer contagious after 10 days. People with moderate to severe illness or who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may remain contagious for 10 to 20 days or even longer.

How to stay COVID free? ›

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Can you still get COVID tests? ›

You can get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from a pharmacy if you're at risk of being seriously ill with COVID-19. You do not need an appointment but you'll need to show your pharmacy that you're eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

How to get free COVID test kits in NJ? ›

Home test kits for COVID-19 are widely available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retail locations. Beginning September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home at https://www.covid.gov/tests.

How to get rid of COVID fast? ›

Many people with COVID-19 get better with rest, fluids and treatment for their symptoms. Medicine you can get without a prescription can help. Some examples are: Fever reducers.

How long is COVID contagious for 2024? ›

The COVID-19 infectious period can vary, but most people are considered infectious from 48 hours before their symptoms start and can be infectious for up to 10 days.

Does COVID-19 go away on its own? ›

If you have COVID-19 or think you might, you can expect the illness to go away on its own in about 10 to 14 days. Most people (about 80%) recover from COVID-19 without special treatment. But COVID-19 can cause serious illness. Older adults and people with other medical problems are more likely to get very sick.

What are the first symptoms of COVID? ›

Possible symptoms include:
  • Fever or chills.
  • Cough.
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
  • Sore throat.
  • Congestion or runny nose.
  • New loss of taste or smell.
  • Fatigue.
  • Muscle or body aches.
Jun 25, 2024

Are you still contagious after 5 days of COVID? ›

People with COVID-19 are often contagious for 5-10 days after their illness begins. People with flu may be contagious for up to 5-7 days after their illness begins. People with RSV are usually contagious for 3-8 days after their illness begins.

What are the symptoms of the new COVID variant? ›

The new COVID variant symptoms are similar to those of previous strains, including:
  • Congestion.
  • Cough.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever and chills.
  • Headaches.
  • Loss of taste or smell.
  • Muscle soreness and aches.

How long do you test positive for COVID-19 in 2024? ›

Some people who recover from COVID may test positive for weeks or even months after they were sick. Getting a positive test result soon again after you had COVID could mean your body is still fighting off the virus, there's some leftover RNA from the virus, or you've caught the virus again.

What is the infectious period of COVID-19? ›

In general, a person who tests positive for COVID-19 may be infectious for up to 10 days but are most infectious in the 2 days just before their symptoms start, and while they have acute symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever). Most people infected with COVID-19 are still infectious after 5 days.

Do COVID tests expire? ›

Find the expiration date on the box.

(Your test may look different.) Check the box for the "Expiration" or "Use By" date. Some boxes use a drawing of an hourglass for the expiration date. If the date is in the future, the test hasn't expired and is fine to use.

When should I test again after testing positive for COVID-19? ›

If your antigen test (such as an at-home test) result is positive, you may still be infectious. Continue wearing a mask and wait at least one day before taking another test.

When to test for COVID after exposure? ›

When should you test? Test right away. If your first test is negative, test again 1-2 days later. Even if you don't feel sick, test after exposure and again 3-5 days after last exposure.

How long will you stay positive for COVID-19? ›

Key Takeaways. If you get COVID-19, you may continue to test positive even after you're feeling better. Some people who recover from COVID may test positive for weeks or even months after they were sick.

How long does it take to stop having COVID? ›

The average recovery time for those who have mild or normal cases of COVID-19 or flu is between one and two weeks. If you have COVID-19, the CDC recommends isolation from others until your symptoms are getting better and you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Does COVID disappear after 10 days? ›

With Mild Symptoms

Mild to moderate illness from COVID-19 usually lasts an average of 10 days. For some people, symptoms fade in a matter of days; for others, it takes weeks.

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