The Biden administration announced that all U.S. households can order a total of four at-home COVID-19 tests that will be mailed directly to them for free. Tests will begin shipping next week and can be ordered at covid.gov/tests.

The Department of Health recommends residents to take advantage of this program while the free at-home antigen tests are available this winter. Residents are encouraged to use an at-home COVID-19 test if they are experiencing symptoms or before gathering with family this winter. Testing is one of our best defenses against spreading COVID-19 and at-home testing provides a safe, convenient way to protect others from the virus.

“Everyone in New Mexico should take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on free at-home COVID-19 tests before the holidays,” said Acting Cabinet Secretary David R Scrase M.D. “It’s also a good idea for families to test before they gather this winter. And remember, if you are sick, stay home and avoid infecting others.”

At-home antigen tests take 15 minutes to complete, offering users a convenient way to check whether they are infected with COVID-19.

If you have symptoms, serial testing with an at-home test separated by 48 hours is 90 percent accurate. Users can follow up with a PCR test from a medical provider or test site at: findatestnm.org to verify results. It is still important to stay home if you have symptoms to prevent the spread of COVID and other respiratory illnesses such as RSV and flu.

Health officials have seen the number of COVID, flu and other respiratory viruses increase following Thanksgiving and anticipate the number may grow higher as more families gather during the winter holiday season.

Additionally, New Mexico residents can still receive mail order free at-home tests through the Rockefeller Foundation’s Project Act program while supplies last at: https://accesscovidtests.org/.

As the holidays quickly approach, DOH would like to remind residents with private insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid that they can request reimbursement for up to eight tests per month.

Residents can self-report a positive COVID test at makemytestcount.com. The reporting of tests on this site is confidential and no personal information is required to use the site.

For more information on how to stay safe and healthy from COVID-19, visit cv.nmhealth.org.

Chieftain Staff Report