Common problems when using the website
Although the government had two years to figure out the scheme, it was not without fault. Hopefully you will be able to complete your request in a few minutes. But here are a few common problems we’ve seen.
Do you live in an apartment or a live workspace?
Condominium residents may find that their multi-unit building has been classified as a single home. If anyone in whole buildingg ordered to test, the system thinks they are asking for more than the amount allotted to each household.
USPS solves this problem by asking anyone who has experienced it Submit a service request here. Typical, representative Jerry Nadler of Manhattan also tweeted about the issue. Anecdotally, Nadler tweeted that some people were able to work around the issue by making sure everything was correct using USPS zip code search. You can also try entering your apartment number in the box that matches your address instead of the Apt / Suite / Other box. However, some members of the WIRED staff are unable to request a check using any of these methods.
The same problem is happening for people who live in a live work building, which is common in California. bay area. The system treats these addresses as businesses and will not send tests there. You will also need submit a service request.
Do you have more than four people in your house?
Currently, each household can only receive four tests, regardless of how many people live there, and it’s unclear if we’ll be able to request more in the future. If you’ve used all four tests or you just have a larger family, you’re lucky to have a free kit at home. You can buy more if needed.
You don’t speak English, Spanish or Chinese?
The website currently has only three language options: English, Spanish, and Chinese. It’s not clear if the helpline listed above (1-800-232-0233) can help people who don’t speak either of those three.
Are you homeless?
The website states that these tests are only sent to valid residential addresses and residential post office boxes. One of the frequently asked questions if the tests can be received at another location or held at USPS, and the answer is unfortunately no. If you are currently homeless, contact your local health social services agency to find a free test.
President Biden announced 400 million N95 masks will also be made available for free — starting next week — to be picked up at pharmacies and community health centers. There’s no word on the exact date we can expect them to arrive. Until then, we have a few tutorials because the mask recommendation that will keep you protected.
If you’ve consistently followed CDC recommendations, you know they’ve changed over and over as we navigate the virus. The N95 is the best way to keep you and those around you safe — we have more information on masks and how they work in the manual N95-but as CDC saysNo mask is better than no mask.
Immunizations and boosters
Vaccinated won’t prevent you from getting Covid-19, but it can alleviate the worst and deadliest symptoms. We recommend that you get vaccinated if you haven’t already, and if you do, get a booster shot. Vaccines.gov will help you find somewhere near you that has a vaccine — my zip code search shows 50 locations within six miles.
See more from WIRED on Covid-19
