🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 163 (from laksa186)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa163.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/free-covid-tests-mail-xec-variant-19777107.php\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/free-covid-tests-mail-xec-variant-19777107.php\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/free-covid-tests-mail-xec-variant-19777107.php","crawl_time":1776098732,"first_indexed_time":1726791763,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,sfchronicle!www,\/health\/article\/free-covid-tests-mail-xec-variant-19777107.php s443","src_root_hash":"14097438092688553363","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Free at-home COVID tests now available to order. Here’s how","meta_descriptions":["Americans can order free COVID-19 tests by mail again as the new XEC variant spreads across the United States."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"A woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. \nAndrew Harnik\/Associated Press\nAmericans once again have the opportunity to request\nfree coronavirus tests\n by mail, as authorities brace for a potential resurgence of\nCOVID-19\ncases. \nThe\nfederal program\n, offering each U.S. household four at-home test kits via the Postal Service since 2022, has distributed more than 1.8 billion tests nationwide. Despite \nprevious pauses\ndue to funding shortages, the Biden administration has revived the initiative\nmultiple times\n, most recently ahead of last year’s respiratory virus season.\nDespite a\nrecent decline\nin COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the program’s seventh phase commenced on Thursday, Sept. 26.\nArticle continues below this ad\nAccording to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, all U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at\nCOVIDTests.gov\n. \nXEC emerges as COVID variant to ‘keep an eye on.’\nWhat that means for new vaccines\nThe new COVID vaccine is here.\nWhy these S.F. residents were eager to get it\nSan Francisco Chronicle Logo\nMake us a Preferred Source to get more of our news when you search.\nAdd Preferred Source\nOver-the-counter test kits typically retail for \napproximately $24\nfor a two-pack.\nThis announcement coincides with confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a highly transmissible new variant, named\nXEC\n, has been detected in nearly two dozen states, including California, according to preliminary data from the\nglobal virus database\nGISAID.\nArticle continues below this ad\nThe CDC expects the virus to surge again during the winter, with a peak expected around mid-January.\nAlthough national COVID-19 trends\nremain elevated\n, they have significantly declined since the summer peak. As of the week ending Sept. 14, there were about three COVID-related\nhospitalizations\nper 100,000 residents and approximately 563 COVID-related\nweekly deaths\n, compared to about five hospitalizations per 100,000 and 1,000 deaths during the same period in the previous month.\nWhile at-home tests like those distributed through \nCOVIDTests.gov\nhave become less reliable at detecting newer, more immune-evasive strains of the virus, ASPR assured that the tests being distributed remain effective through the end of the year.\nThe updated fall vaccines are expected to be effective against the XEC variant, given that it is an offshoot of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The new Pfizer and Moderna shots are formulated to target the KP.2 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 strain. \nThe FDA stated last week that it is “\nhighly confident\n” in the effectiveness of this season’s updated vaccines.\nArticle continues below this ad\n“At this time, we anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work against all circulating variants. CDC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and vaccines against circulating variants,” the CDC affirmed.\nHow to get free COVID-19 tests\nEvery home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home tests. No credit card information is required. The kits and shipping are free. Here’s how to place your order.\nVisit\nCOVIDTests.gov\n(you can also access the order form at\nspecial.USPS.com\/testkits\n). Click “Order Free At-Home Tests”\nEnter your contact information and shipping address.\nClick “Check Out Now.”\nReview your information and click “Place My Order.”\nArticle continues below this ad\nOrders are delivered via first-class mail, and free test kits can also be obtained by calling 1-800-232-0233. Some tests may display expired dates on the box, but the FDA has extended these dates. A full list of extended expiration dates is available\non its website\n.\nSep 19, 2024\n|\nUpdated\nSep 26, 2024 8:55 a.m.\nStaff Writer\nAidin Vaziri is a staff writer at The San Francisco Chronicle.","attrs_markdown":"San Francisco Chronicle Logo\n\nHearst Newspapers Logo\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/free-covid-tests-mail-xec-variant-19777107.php#content)\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/hamburgerbutton)\n\n[Bay Area](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/bayarea\/)\n\n- [San Francisco](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sf\/)\n- [Transit](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/transit\/)\n- [Crime](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/crime\/)\n- [Drug Crisis](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/opioid-epidemic\/)\n- [Golden Gate Park](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/goldengatepark\/)\n- [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/coronavirus\/)\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/)\n- [Data 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Here’s how\nBy [Aidin Vaziri](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/author\/aidin-vaziri\/), Staff Writer\n\nUpdated\n\nSep 26, 2024 8:55 a.m.\n\n![A woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. ]()\n\nA woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September.\n\nAndrew Harnik\/Associated Press\n\n![A positive coronavirus at-home test is displayed in 2022.]()\n\nA positive coronavirus at-home test is displayed in 2022.\n\nJustin Sullivan\/Getty Images\n\nAmericans once again have the opportunity to request [free coronavirus tests](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/covid-home-test-kits-17891880.php) by mail, as authorities brace for a potential resurgence of [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/coronavirus\/) cases.\n\nThe [federal program](https:\/\/aspr.hhs.gov\/COVID-19\/Test\/Pages\/default.aspx), offering each U.S. household four at-home test kits via the Postal Service since 2022, has distributed more than 1.8 billion tests nationwide. Despite [previous pauses](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/federal-covid-tests-are-going-away-here-s-how-17410146.php) due to funding shortages, the Biden administration has revived the initiative [multiple times](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/free-covid-tests-how-to-order-18387336.php), most recently ahead of last year’s respiratory virus season.\n\nDespite a [recent decline](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/summer-covid-surge-wanes-california-19755480.php) in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the program’s seventh phase commenced on Thursday, Sept. 26.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nArticle continues below this ad\n\nAccording to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, all U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at [COVIDTests.gov](http:\/\/covidtests.gov\/).\n\n- **XEC emerges as COVID variant to ‘keep an eye on.’** [What that means for new vaccines](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/covid-19-xec-variant-emerges-19769038.php)\n- **The new COVID vaccine is here.** [Why these S.F. residents were eager to get it](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/new-covid-vaccine-sf-residents-19758163.php)\n\nSan Francisco Chronicle Logo\n\n### See more S.F. Chronicle on Google\nMake us a Preferred Source to get more of our news when you search.\n\n[Add Preferred Source](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=sfchronicle.com)\n\nOver-the-counter test kits typically retail for [approximately \\$24](https:\/\/www.walgreens.com\/store\/c\/at-home-covid-tests\/ID=20001929-tier3) for a two-pack.\n\nThis announcement coincides with confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a highly transmissible new variant, named [XEC](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/covid-19-xec-variant-emerges-19769038.php), has been detected in nearly two dozen states, including California, according to preliminary data from the [global virus database](https:\/\/outbreak.info\/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) GISAID.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nArticle continues below this ad\n\nThe CDC expects the virus to surge again during the winter, with a peak expected around mid-January.\n\nAlthough national COVID-19 trends [remain elevated](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/data\/index.html), they have significantly declined since the summer peak. As of the week ending Sept. 14, there were about three COVID-related [hospitalizations](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#covidnet-hospitalization-network) per 100,000 residents and approximately 563 COVID-related [weekly deaths](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00), compared to about five hospitalizations per 100,000 and 1,000 deaths during the same period in the previous month.\n\nWhile at-home tests like those distributed through [COVIDTests.gov](http:\/\/covidtests.gov\/) have become less reliable at detecting newer, more immune-evasive strains of the virus, ASPR assured that the tests being distributed remain effective through the end of the year.\n\nThe updated fall vaccines are expected to be effective against the XEC variant, given that it is an offshoot of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The new Pfizer and Moderna shots are formulated to target the KP.2 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 strain.\n\nThe FDA stated last week that it is “[highly confident](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/vaccines-blood-biologics\/industry-biologics\/information-about-updated-covid-19-vaccines)” in the effectiveness of this season’s updated vaccines.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nArticle continues below this ad\n\n“At this time, we anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work against all circulating variants. CDC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and vaccines against circulating variants,” the CDC affirmed.\n\n## How to get free COVID-19 tests\nEvery home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home tests. No credit card information is required. The kits and shipping are free. Here’s how to place your order.\n\n- Visit [COVIDTests.gov](http:\/\/covidtests.gov\/) (you can also access the order form at [special.USPS.com\/testkits](http:\/\/special.usps.com\/testkits)). Click “Order Free At-Home Tests”\n- Enter your contact information and shipping address.\n- Click “Check Out Now.”\n- Review your information and click “Place My Order.”\n\nAdvertisement\n\nArticle continues below this ad\n\nOrders are delivered via first-class mail, and free test kits can also be obtained by calling 1-800-232-0233. Some tests may display expired dates on the box, but the FDA has extended these dates. A full list of extended expiration dates is available [on its website](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list).\n\n*Reach Aidin Vaziri:* [*avaziri@sfchronicle.com*](mailto:avaziri@sfchronicle.com)\n\nSep 19, 2024\n\n\\|Updated\n\nSep 26, 2024 8:55 a.m.\n\n![Photo of Aidin Vaziri]()\n\n[Aidin Vaziri](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/author\/aidin-vaziri\/)\n\nStaff Writer\n\nAidin Vaziri is a staff writer at The San Francisco Chronicle.\n\nMost Popular\n\n1\\.\n\n[Strongest storm on planet bearing down on U.S. islands in Western Pacific](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/weather\/article\/sinlaku-typhoon-western-pacific-us-islands-22202607.php)\n\n2\\.\n\n[Ex-staffer says Eric Swalwell, candidate for California governor, sexually assaulted her](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/politics\/article\/eric-swalwell-allegations-22198271.php)\n\n3\\.\n\n[Trump fires entire San Francisco Presidio Trust board, all Biden appointees](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sf\/article\/presidio-board-fired-trump-22198432.php)\n\n4\\.\n\n[The race for California governor was already a mess for Democrats. Now what?](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/politics\/joegarofoli\/article\/california-governor-democrats-swalwell-22200549.php)\n\n5\\.\n\n[Stanford’s Andrew Luck and Jim Plunkett thrived as quarterbacks. They also paid a price](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sports\/college\/article\/stanford-andrew-luck-jim-plunkett-22196387.php)\n\n[Your Daily Puzzles](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles)\n\n[Pile-Up Poker](https:\/\/www.puzzmo.com\/+\/sfchronicle\/play\/pile-up-poker)\n\n[Poker meets Solitaire. Cards and strategy combine in a new way.](https:\/\/www.puzzmo.com\/+\/sfchronicle\/play\/pile-up-poker)\n\n[![Pile-Up Poker]()](https:\/\/www.puzzmo.com\/+\/sfchronicle\/play\/pile-up-poker)\n\n[Cross\\|word](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles\/article\/crossword-19029949.php)\n\n[An approachable redesign to a classic, featuring exclusive weekday puzzles.](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles\/article\/crossword-19029949.php)\n\n[![Cross\\|word thumbnail image]()](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles\/article\/crossword-19029949.php)\n\n[Flipart](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles\/article\/flipart-18974867.php)\n\n[A quick daily flip. Finally someone cracked the code on digital jigsaw puzzles.](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles\/article\/flipart-18974867.php)\n\n[![Flipart thumbnail image]()](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles\/article\/flipart-18974867.php)\n\n[SpellTower](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles\/article\/spelltower-18973503.php)\n\n[Word search but with strategy. Clearing the board feels really good.](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles\/article\/spelltower-18973503.php)\n\n[![SpellTower thumbnail image]()](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/puzzles\/article\/spelltower-18973503.php)\n\nLatest Video\n\nDogs and humans remember Brixton's life\n\nBrixton died in December after more than a decade as a fixture of San Francisco’s festivals, parades and street fairs.\n\n01:16\n\nAztec dancers amaze onlookers at 'Farmworkers Day' celebration in S.F.\n\nSan Francisco celebrated its first Cesar Chavez-free 'Farmworkers Day' celebrations, despite unseasonable rain.\n\n00:27\n\nAI is supercharging tax scams\n\nFrom flawless emails to cloned voices, scammers are using AI to fool even savvy filers this tax season. Here's what to know.\n\n01:21\n\nWhere do chefs eat on their night off?\n\nAt our Top 100 event earlier this week, we caught up with chefs from some of the Bay Area’s buzziest restaurants to glean their favorite spots.\n\n01:31\n\nS.F. realtor records home tours in drag\n\nA San Francisco performer and new Realtor is using drag as Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skye to turn luxury home tours into TikTok theater.\n\n01:44\n\nFour Kings: Best restaurant in SF Bay Area in 2026\n\nThe big winner on the San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 restaurants list is San Francisco Chinatown hotspot Four Kings.\n\n01:47\n\nPhilz Coffee will remove Pride flags from its cafés\n\nPhilz Coffee, the San Francisco-born coffee company, is drawing criticism for a decision to remove Pride flags from its cafés.\n\n00:21\n\nHighlights from the Top 100 Restaurants party\n\nThis year’s Top 100 Restaurants party welcomed more than 1,000 guests to the San Francisco Design Center, where three stories were filled with food, drinks and fun.\n\n01:20\n\nZendaya shares her favorite Oakland bakery\n\nArizmendi Lakeshore in Oakland has seen an “uptick in sales” since Zendaya mentioned the bakery to a fan last month during the Rome premiere of “The Drama.”\n\n00:08\n\nThis is the best restaurant of 2026 — so far\n\nWith Naides, San Francisco’s only Filipino tasting-menu restaurant, chef Patrick Gabon serves up a rush of street-food-inspired bites that hit with funk, acid and swagger.\n\n01:14\n\nTop of the News\n\n[![A group gathers at the Love Fest SF block party in the Tenderloin San Francisco. The neighborhood saw significant year-over-year growth in sales tax revenue in 2025, though it still lags behind its 2019 levels.]()](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sf\/article\/sales-tax-recovery-data-22186030.php)\n\n[San Francisco](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sf\/)\n\n[S.F.’s economic recovery has been uneven. These neighborhoods are still in trouble](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sf\/article\/sales-tax-recovery-data-22186030.php)\n\n[Economic recovery has been uneven across the city, but some neighborhoods are starting to gain traction.](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sf\/article\/sales-tax-recovery-data-22186030.php)\n\n[Politics](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/politics\/)\n\n[Swalwell ends governor campaign after Chronicle investigation into sexual assault allegations](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/politics\/article\/swalwell-drops-out-22202786.php)\n\n[Weather Forecasts](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/weather-forecast\/)\n\n[The rain is gone — but the Bay Area isn’t done with unusual weather](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/weather-forecast\/article\/bay-area-warm-storm-22202622.php)\n\n[Bay Area](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/bayarea\/)\n\n[A Bay Area priest needed a kidney transplant. 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Out](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/privacy_policy\/#daaoptout)\n\n[Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale\/Targeted Ads)](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/yourdata\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"![A woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. ]()\n\nA woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September.\n\nAndrew Harnik\/Associated Press\n\nAmericans once again have the opportunity to request [free coronavirus tests](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/covid-home-test-kits-17891880.php) by mail, as authorities brace for a potential resurgence of [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/coronavirus\/) cases.\n\nThe [federal program](https:\/\/aspr.hhs.gov\/COVID-19\/Test\/Pages\/default.aspx), offering each U.S. household four at-home test kits via the Postal Service since 2022, has distributed more than 1.8 billion tests nationwide. Despite [previous pauses](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/federal-covid-tests-are-going-away-here-s-how-17410146.php) due to funding shortages, the Biden administration has revived the initiative [multiple times](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/free-covid-tests-how-to-order-18387336.php), most recently ahead of last year’s respiratory virus season.\n\nDespite a [recent decline](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/summer-covid-surge-wanes-california-19755480.php) in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the program’s seventh phase commenced on Thursday, Sept. 26.\n\nArticle continues below this ad\n\nAccording to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, all U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at [COVIDTests.gov](http:\/\/covidtests.gov\/).\n\n- **XEC emerges as COVID variant to ‘keep an eye on.’** [What that means for new vaccines](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/covid-19-xec-variant-emerges-19769038.php)\n- **The new COVID vaccine is here.** [Why these S.F. residents were eager to get it](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/new-covid-vaccine-sf-residents-19758163.php)\n\nSan Francisco Chronicle Logo\n\nMake us a Preferred Source to get more of our news when you search.\n\n[Add Preferred Source](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=sfchronicle.com)\n\nOver-the-counter test kits typically retail for [approximately \\$24](https:\/\/www.walgreens.com\/store\/c\/at-home-covid-tests\/ID=20001929-tier3) for a two-pack.\n\nThis announcement coincides with confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a highly transmissible new variant, named [XEC](https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/health\/article\/covid-19-xec-variant-emerges-19769038.php), has been detected in nearly two dozen states, including California, according to preliminary data from the [global virus database](https:\/\/outbreak.info\/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) GISAID.\n\nArticle continues below this ad\n\nThe CDC expects the virus to surge again during the winter, with a peak expected around mid-January.\n\nAlthough national COVID-19 trends [remain elevated](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/data\/index.html), they have significantly declined since the summer peak. As of the week ending Sept. 14, there were about three COVID-related [hospitalizations](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#covidnet-hospitalization-network) per 100,000 residents and approximately 563 COVID-related [weekly deaths](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00), compared to about five hospitalizations per 100,000 and 1,000 deaths during the same period in the previous month.\n\nWhile at-home tests like those distributed through [COVIDTests.gov](http:\/\/covidtests.gov\/) have become less reliable at detecting newer, more immune-evasive strains of the virus, ASPR assured that the tests being distributed remain effective through the end of the year.\n\nThe updated fall vaccines are expected to be effective against the XEC variant, given that it is an offshoot of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The new Pfizer and Moderna shots are formulated to target the KP.2 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 strain.\n\nThe FDA stated last week that it is “[highly confident](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/vaccines-blood-biologics\/industry-biologics\/information-about-updated-covid-19-vaccines)” in the effectiveness of this season’s updated vaccines.\n\nArticle continues below this ad\n\n“At this time, we anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work against all circulating variants. CDC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and vaccines against circulating variants,” the CDC affirmed.\n\nHow to get free COVID-19 tests\n\nEvery home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home tests. No credit card information is required. The kits and shipping are free. Here’s how to place your order.\n\n- Visit [COVIDTests.gov](http:\/\/covidtests.gov\/) (you can also access the order form at [special.USPS.com\/testkits](http:\/\/special.usps.com\/testkits)). Click “Order Free At-Home Tests”\n- Enter your contact information and shipping address.\n- Click “Check Out Now.”\n- Review your information and click “Place My Order.”\n\nArticle continues below this ad\n\nOrders are delivered via first-class mail, and free test kits can also be obtained by calling 1-800-232-0233. Some tests may display expired dates on the box, but the FDA has extended these dates. A full list of extended expiration dates is available [on its website](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list).\n\nSep 19, 2024 \\|Updated Sep 26, 2024 8:55 a.m.\n\n![Photo of Aidin Vaziri]()\n\nStaff Writer\n\nAidin Vaziri is a staff writer at The San Francisco Chronicle.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Free at-home COVID tests now available to order. Here’s how
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Boilerpipe Text	A woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press Americans once again have the opportunity to request free coronavirus tests by mail, as authorities brace for a potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases. The federal program , offering each U.S. household four at-home test kits via the Postal Service since 2022, has distributed more than 1.8 billion tests nationwide. Despite previous pauses due to funding shortages, the Biden administration has revived the initiative multiple times , most recently ahead of last year’s respiratory virus season. Despite a recent decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the program’s seventh phase commenced on Thursday, Sept. 26. Article continues below this ad According to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, all U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov . XEC emerges as COVID variant to ‘keep an eye on.’ What that means for new vaccines The new COVID vaccine is here. Why these S.F. residents were eager to get it San Francisco Chronicle Logo Make us a Preferred Source to get more of our news when you search. Add Preferred Source Over-the-counter test kits typically retail for approximately $24 for a two-pack. This announcement coincides with confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a highly transmissible new variant, named XEC , has been detected in nearly two dozen states, including California, according to preliminary data from the global virus database GISAID. Article continues below this ad The CDC expects the virus to surge again during the winter, with a peak expected around mid-January. Although national COVID-19 trends remain elevated , they have significantly declined since the summer peak. As of the week ending Sept. 14, there were about three COVID-related hospitalizations per 100,000 residents and approximately 563 COVID-related weekly deaths , compared to about five hospitalizations per 100,000 and 1,000 deaths during the same period in the previous month. While at-home tests like those distributed through COVIDTests.gov have become less reliable at detecting newer, more immune-evasive strains of the virus, ASPR assured that the tests being distributed remain effective through the end of the year. The updated fall vaccines are expected to be effective against the XEC variant, given that it is an offshoot of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The new Pfizer and Moderna shots are formulated to target the KP.2 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 strain. The FDA stated last week that it is “ highly confident ” in the effectiveness of this season’s updated vaccines. Article continues below this ad “At this time, we anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work against all circulating variants. CDC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and vaccines against circulating variants,” the CDC affirmed. How to get free COVID-19 tests Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home tests. No credit card information is required. The kits and shipping are free. Here’s how to place your order. Visit COVIDTests.gov (you can also access the order form at special.USPS.com/testkits ). Click “Order Free At-Home Tests” Enter your contact information and shipping address. Click “Check Out Now.” Review your information and click “Place My Order.” Article continues below this ad Orders are delivered via first-class mail, and free test kits can also be obtained by calling 1-800-232-0233. Some tests may display expired dates on the box, but the FDA has extended these dates. A full list of extended expiration dates is available on its website . Sep 19, 2024 \| Updated Sep 26, 2024 8:55 a.m. Staff Writer Aidin Vaziri is a staff writer at The San Francisco Chronicle.
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Here’s how By [Aidin Vaziri](https://www.sfchronicle.com/author/aidin-vaziri/), Staff Writer Updated Sep 26, 2024 8:55 a.m. ![A woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. ]() A woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press ![A positive coronavirus at-home test is displayed in 2022.]() A positive coronavirus at-home test is displayed in 2022. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Americans once again have the opportunity to request [free coronavirus tests](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/covid-home-test-kits-17891880.php) by mail, as authorities brace for a potential resurgence of [COVID-19](https://www.sfchronicle.com/coronavirus/) cases. The [federal program](https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Test/Pages/default.aspx), offering each U.S. household four at-home test kits via the Postal Service since 2022, has distributed more than 1.8 billion tests nationwide. Despite [previous pauses](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/federal-covid-tests-are-going-away-here-s-how-17410146.php) due to funding shortages, the Biden administration has revived the initiative [multiple times](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/free-covid-tests-how-to-order-18387336.php), most recently ahead of last year’s respiratory virus season. Despite a [recent decline](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/summer-covid-surge-wanes-california-19755480.php) in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the program’s seventh phase commenced on Thursday, Sept. 26. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, all U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at [COVIDTests.gov](http://covidtests.gov/). - XEC emerges as COVID variant to ‘keep an eye on.’ [What that means for new vaccines](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/covid-19-xec-variant-emerges-19769038.php) - The new COVID vaccine is here. [Why these S.F. residents were eager to get it](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/new-covid-vaccine-sf-residents-19758163.php) San Francisco Chronicle Logo ### See more S.F. Chronicle on Google Make us a Preferred Source to get more of our news when you search. [Add Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=sfchronicle.com) Over-the-counter test kits typically retail for [approximately \$24](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/at-home-covid-tests/ID=20001929-tier3) for a two-pack. This announcement coincides with confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a highly transmissible new variant, named [XEC](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/covid-19-xec-variant-emerges-19769038.php), has been detected in nearly two dozen states, including California, according to preliminary data from the [global virus database](https://outbreak.info/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) GISAID. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The CDC expects the virus to surge again during the winter, with a peak expected around mid-January. Although national COVID-19 trends [remain elevated](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/index.html), they have significantly declined since the summer peak. As of the week ending Sept. 14, there were about three COVID-related [hospitalizations](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#covidnet-hospitalization-network) per 100,000 residents and approximately 563 COVID-related [weekly deaths](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00), compared to about five hospitalizations per 100,000 and 1,000 deaths during the same period in the previous month. While at-home tests like those distributed through [COVIDTests.gov](http://covidtests.gov/) have become less reliable at detecting newer, more immune-evasive strains of the virus, ASPR assured that the tests being distributed remain effective through the end of the year. The updated fall vaccines are expected to be effective against the XEC variant, given that it is an offshoot of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The new Pfizer and Moderna shots are formulated to target the KP.2 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 strain. The FDA stated last week that it is “[highly confident](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/industry-biologics/information-about-updated-covid-19-vaccines)” in the effectiveness of this season’s updated vaccines. Advertisement Article continues below this ad “At this time, we anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work against all circulating variants. CDC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and vaccines against circulating variants,” the CDC affirmed. ## How to get free COVID-19 tests Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home tests. No credit card information is required. The kits and shipping are free. Here’s how to place your order. - Visit [COVIDTests.gov](http://covidtests.gov/) (you can also access the order form at [special.USPS.com/testkits](http://special.usps.com/testkits)). Click “Order Free At-Home Tests” - Enter your contact information and shipping address. - Click “Check Out Now.” - Review your information and click “Place My Order.” Advertisement Article continues below this ad Orders are delivered via first-class mail, and free test kits can also be obtained by calling 1-800-232-0233. Some tests may display expired dates on the box, but the FDA has extended these dates. A full list of extended expiration dates is available [on its website](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list). Reach Aidin Vaziri: [avaziri@sfchronicle.com](mailto:avaziri@sfchronicle.com) Sep 19, 2024 \\|Updated Sep 26, 2024 8:55 a.m. ![Photo of Aidin Vaziri]() [Aidin Vaziri](https://www.sfchronicle.com/author/aidin-vaziri/) Staff Writer Aidin Vaziri is a staff writer at The San Francisco Chronicle. Most Popular 1\. [Strongest storm on planet bearing down on U.S. islands in Western Pacific](https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/sinlaku-typhoon-western-pacific-us-islands-22202607.php) 2\. [Ex-staffer says Eric Swalwell, candidate for California governor, sexually assaulted her](https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/eric-swalwell-allegations-22198271.php) 3\. [Trump fires entire San Francisco Presidio Trust board, all Biden appointees](https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/presidio-board-fired-trump-22198432.php) 4\. [The race for California governor was already a mess for Democrats. 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Readable Markdown	![A woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. ]() A woman holds two boxes of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Washington in 2021. All U.S. households will again be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press Americans once again have the opportunity to request [free coronavirus tests](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/covid-home-test-kits-17891880.php) by mail, as authorities brace for a potential resurgence of [COVID-19](https://www.sfchronicle.com/coronavirus/) cases. The [federal program](https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Test/Pages/default.aspx), offering each U.S. household four at-home test kits via the Postal Service since 2022, has distributed more than 1.8 billion tests nationwide. Despite [previous pauses](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/federal-covid-tests-are-going-away-here-s-how-17410146.php) due to funding shortages, the Biden administration has revived the initiative [multiple times](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/free-covid-tests-how-to-order-18387336.php), most recently ahead of last year’s respiratory virus season. Despite a [recent decline](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/summer-covid-surge-wanes-california-19755480.php) in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the program’s seventh phase commenced on Thursday, Sept. 26. Article continues below this ad According to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, all U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at [COVIDTests.gov](http://covidtests.gov/). - XEC emerges as COVID variant to ‘keep an eye on.’ [What that means for new vaccines](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/covid-19-xec-variant-emerges-19769038.php) - The new COVID vaccine is here. [Why these S.F. residents were eager to get it](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/new-covid-vaccine-sf-residents-19758163.php) San Francisco Chronicle Logo Make us a Preferred Source to get more of our news when you search. [Add Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=sfchronicle.com) Over-the-counter test kits typically retail for [approximately \$24](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/at-home-covid-tests/ID=20001929-tier3) for a two-pack. This announcement coincides with confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a highly transmissible new variant, named [XEC](https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/covid-19-xec-variant-emerges-19769038.php), has been detected in nearly two dozen states, including California, according to preliminary data from the [global virus database](https://outbreak.info/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) GISAID. Article continues below this ad The CDC expects the virus to surge again during the winter, with a peak expected around mid-January. Although national COVID-19 trends [remain elevated](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/index.html), they have significantly declined since the summer peak. As of the week ending Sept. 14, there were about three COVID-related [hospitalizations](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#covidnet-hospitalization-network) per 100,000 residents and approximately 563 COVID-related [weekly deaths](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00), compared to about five hospitalizations per 100,000 and 1,000 deaths during the same period in the previous month. While at-home tests like those distributed through [COVIDTests.gov](http://covidtests.gov/) have become less reliable at detecting newer, more immune-evasive strains of the virus, ASPR assured that the tests being distributed remain effective through the end of the year. The updated fall vaccines are expected to be effective against the XEC variant, given that it is an offshoot of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The new Pfizer and Moderna shots are formulated to target the KP.2 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 strain. The FDA stated last week that it is “[highly confident](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/industry-biologics/information-about-updated-covid-19-vaccines)” in the effectiveness of this season’s updated vaccines. Article continues below this ad “At this time, we anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work against all circulating variants. CDC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and vaccines against circulating variants,” the CDC affirmed. How to get free COVID-19 tests Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home tests. No credit card information is required. The kits and shipping are free. Here’s how to place your order. - Visit [COVIDTests.gov](http://covidtests.gov/) (you can also access the order form at [special.USPS.com/testkits](http://special.usps.com/testkits)). Click “Order Free At-Home Tests” - Enter your contact information and shipping address. - Click “Check Out Now.” - Review your information and click “Place My Order.” Article continues below this ad Orders are delivered via first-class mail, and free test kits can also be obtained by calling 1-800-232-0233. Some tests may display expired dates on the box, but the FDA has extended these dates. A full list of extended expiration dates is available [on its website](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list). Sep 19, 2024 \\|Updated Sep 26, 2024 8:55 a.m. ![Photo of Aidin Vaziri]() Staff Writer Aidin Vaziri is a staff writer at The San Francisco Chronicle.
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