The Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that households may order up to four free tests through COVIDTests.gov starting on Monday, Sept. 25. The tests are intended for use through the end of the year and will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants. Connecticut residents are also encouraged to visit COVIDTests.gov to see if the expiration dates of any test kits they currently have at home have been extended.

“These at-home tests are an important component of the COVID-19 toolbox that we have at our disposal,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “In addition to these at-home tests, all people 6 months and older are eligible to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine. If you are sick (e.g., fever, respiratory symptoms) please stay home. Consider wearing a high-quality mask when respiratory viruses are circulating at high levels in your community. These are all the ways we can continue to protect ourselves and manage this virus.”

Commissioner Juthani added that the hope is that COVID-19 will follow the trajectory of other respiratory illnesses including influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Respiratory disease season typically runs from October through April. Individuals are encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for the latest guidance.