Website for free COVID tests from government launches early

The government website offering free at-home rapid COVID test kits launched a day before the site was scheduled to officially go online.

Calling it a "beta phase," White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed the early launch on Tuesday.

“We can’t guarantee there won’t be a bug or two,” Psaki said, “but the best tech teams across the administration and the Postal Service are working hard to make this a success.”

The website, COVIDTests.gov, now includes a link (usps.com/covidtests) for Americans to access an order form run by the U.S. Postal Service. 

People can order four at-home tests per residential address, to be delivered by the USPS. 

Since Saturday, private insurance companies have been required to cover the cost of at-home rapid tests purchased at pharmacies and online retailers.