CDC Offers Free at-Home COVID Test Kits to Boost Post-Arrival Testing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking to ramp-up its post-arrival testing efforts. The agency started offering free at-home COVID19 test kits at different airports.

Travelers arriving in the US at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Miami International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport can get these free test kits.

According to CDC spokesperson Caitlin Shockey, “This initiative will quickly increase access to post-arrival COVID-19 testing for international travelers arriving in the United States”. She also said that “CDC will begin distribute COVID-19 home test kits at select airports the week of December 13”.

Shockey also added that “It is critical that travelers get tested 3-5 days after travel to help identify imported cases of COVID-19 and stop the spread of this virus”.

The CDC did not confirm the exact number of free at-home kits available for this program. However, the agency plans to give “as many of these free test kits as possible”. Plus, the agency is looking to add more airports in the program.

Compliance Post-Arrival Testing Guidance

The free at-home test kits will help travelers to comply with CDC’s travel guidance. According to the agency’s travel guidance, all air travelers entering the US should get tested three to five days after arriving in the US. For unvaccinated travelers who aren’t US citizens or immigrants, the post-arrival testing protocol is a requirement.

CDC also launched an active testing program in different airports. It partnered with XPressCheck testing international travelers to help identify different COVID19 variants. Airports included in this program are San Francisco International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.

New Testing Protocol for Arrivals

Since the detection of the omicron variant, the US imposed a new testing requirement for arrivals. Everyone entering the US need to show a negative COVID19 test taken a day before boarding their flights. This will also include fully vaccinated travelers and American citizens.