Rhode Island Residents Can Order Four More Free COVID-19 Tests

RHODE ISLAND — People living in Rhode Island can now order a second round of free at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests from the federal government.

Every home in the country is eligible to order two sets of 4 free at-home tests through the government's website here, President Joe Biden said Monday.

The site, which first launched in January, allowed people to order a maximum of four rapid tests per household - now those people can order another four tests.

Anyone who missed

the first round of free tests can order up to eight tests at once through the website or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

If you want to order tests through the website, you can sign up with your name, email, and home address. The website will not ask you for a form of payment, even for shipping.

Once you order your free tests, you'll get an email with a confirmation and a tracking number.

All of the tests provided are authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration and can provide results within half an hour.

Shipments will continue to be fulfilled by the US Postal Service. According to its website, the White House says tests will ship within seven to 12 days.

Biden announced plans for a second round of free tests during his State of the Union address last week, even as COVID-19 case numbers continue to decline.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at-home testing for people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms five days after potential exposure. Those symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory symptoms, and muscle aches.