You can still order free at-home COVID tests — but not for long

WASHINGTON — There's still time to order a set of free at-home COVID-19 tests in the mail before the government suspends the opportunity.

Each home has until Friday to place an order for a third round of free rapid antigen at-home testing kits, according to the federal government's website.

A total of eight tests will arrive in two packages with every order.

But why is the government's free test program ending? The Biden administration says the U.S. stockpile is running out.

"Ordering through this program will be suspended on Friday, September 2, because Congress hasn't provided additional funding to replenish the nation's stockpile of tests," a message on the covid.gov website states.

The opportunity to order a third round of free test kits was launched in May, McClatchy News previously reported. The first round began in January, followed by the second in March.

In January, President Joe Biden promised to provide half a billion testing kits through the government's website, according to a fact sheet. The White House had delivered 350 million free at-home COVID-19 tests to 70 million homes nationwide as of May 17.

It's possible for the government's free testing kit program to come back if Congress provides more funding, a White House official told CNN.

The suspension of the program comes as COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are on the decline as of Aug. 26 following a summer spike, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Roughly 72% of the country lives in a location where COVID-19 levels in their communities are considered medium or high, CDC data shows. Meanwhile, about 28% of the nation lives where virus levels are low.

How to order the COVID-19 tests

On COVID.gov, click "order free at-home tests" or call 1-800-232-0233 if help is needed.