Jan
21

COVID-19 Team Update: Free in-home testing kits and N95 masks

Banner showing COVID-19 virus

Earlier this week the federal government began accepting orders through the United States Postal Service for free, at-home, rapid test sets. Each household may order one set containing four tests. Orders will begin shipping in late January. If you or someone from your household has not yet ordered, please visit this site to sign up for your free kit.

This week the Biden administration also announced that it would make 400 million N95 respirators available for free from the Strategic National Stockpile. These respirators will be distributed to individuals through local pharmacies and community centers. Each person will only be able to pick up three N95s to ensure there will be adequate supplies available for everyone who would like one. No official date has been announced for when the free N95s will be available, but distribution should begin sometime late next week.

We will be providing additional information on the proper professional and personal use of N95s in the future. Should more opportunities for testing or safety supplies become available, we will communicate that information with you. Please also stay up to date by frequently visiting websites for your local health districts and news outlets.

Stay safe, be well, and get vaccinated,
COVID-19 Response Team

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About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.