As COVID-19 cases see fluctuations across the U.S., the federal government is stepping up to help. At the end of September, households can again order free COVID-19 test kits from the government. This initiative aims to ensure everyone has access to testing, especially as some communities continue to report rising cases.

Free Tests Available Soon

Households can receive up to four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the website COVIDtest.gov. While the exact start date for orders has yet to be announced, this marks the seventh time in three years that the government has offered these kits, totaling about 900 million tests distributed to families nationwide.

These tests are designed to detect the current dominant variants circulating, including the subvariant KP.3.1.1, which accounts for nearly 37% of cases in the U.S., and KP.3, representing over 16%, according to the CDC.

Current COVID-19 Trends in Oregon

In Oregon, COVID-19 test positivity rates have been declining since mid-August after a summer spike. For the week ending September 7, Oregon reported 171 positive tests, a significant drop from a peak of 433 in late July. It’s important to note that positive tests do not have to be reported to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), so this figure may not reflect the total number of cases.

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To monitor COVID-19 levels, the OHA collaborates with Oregon State University to test wastewater samples across the state. Recent data indicates that most areas have either seen a decrease in cases or no significant change. However, while cities like Salem have shown a sustained decrease, Silverton and Stayton have reported increases.

Understanding Test Expiration Dates

Many COVID-19 tests may remain effective past their expiration dates, as manufacturers have demonstrated that their shelf lives are often longer than initially indicated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a table of all authorized at-home tests with updated shelf-life information.

To determine your test’s actual shelf-life, locate the expiration date in the provided documentation. Tests labeled as “Extended Expiration Date” will link to information based on their manufacturing date. If this information is missing or states, “Expiration Date: See box label,” follow the expiration date printed on the box.

Recognizing COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary, especially with the emergence of new variants and depend on vaccination status. Common symptoms may 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
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you experience any symptoms, the CDC recommends staying home, getting tested, and consulting a healthcare professional for advice and treatment.

For more information and to stay updated on COVID-19 trends, subscribe to the Daily Briefing newsletter to receive the latest news straight to your inbox.

Author Contact Information: Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. You can reach her at ifunk@statesmanjournal.com or follow her on X at @isabeldfunk.