Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests Now Available for Louisiana Residents

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. government is offering every household the opportunity to order four free COVID-19 rapid tests. These tests will be delivered directly to your doorstep and can be ordered online at COVIDTests.gov. For accessible testing kits, visit USPS Special Test Kits.

Residents who need assistance placing an order can reach out via phone at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). The federal government will also continue to offer low- or no-cost testing to uninsured and underserved communities. To access these tests, please contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near you.

About the Tests

Getty Images

The tests available are rapid antigen tests that can be taken at home or elsewhere, providing results within 30 minutes—no lab drop-off required. Importantly, these tests are useful regardless of vaccination status or presence of symptoms. They are also known as self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests.

Voluntary reporting of test results is encouraged at MakeMyTestCount.org to aid public health efforts.

When to Test

Getty Images

The CDC recommends using an at-home test:

If you show symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, sore throat, or loss of smell.
At least five days after close contact with an infected individual.
Before gathering with a group, especially if attendees are vulnerable or unvaccinated.

What to Do After Testing

Getty Images

Positive Result: Isolate immediately and consult the latest CDC guidance for further steps. Treatments for COVID-19 are available, and those at high risk should consult a doctor as soon as possible. The Test-to-Treat program offers easy access to treatment.

Negative Result: A negative outcome reduces your risk of transmission. If you test negative, you should take another test 48 hours later. A third test is advisable 48 hours after the second if it also returns negative and you're symptom-free.
This initiative is an important step in controlling the spread of the virus and keeping Louisiana and Gulf Coast communities safe.

Answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

Vaccinations for COVID-19 began being administered in the U.S. on Dec. 14, 2020. The quick rollout came a little more than a year after the virus was first identified in November 2019. The impressive speed with which vaccines were developed has also left a lot of people with a lot of questions. The questions range from the practical—how will I get vaccinated?—to the scientific—how do these vaccines even work?

Keep reading to discover answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions.