All on-campus students can now receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests via mail, thanks to a new initiative by the federal government.
By logging onto covidtests.gov, students can request four free at-home tests, which will ship in 7-12 days, according to the government website. Students can order the tests straight to their dorm or apartment complex by entering the address listed on UB’s Campus Living website with the appropriate zip code for their building.
Some students reported that the website didn’t allow them to enter their UB address, but Jessica Kane, assistant director of communications and marketing initiatives for Campus Living, says the addresses should work.
“We have confirmed that student residents can participate in receiving free at-home COVID-19 testing through USPS,” Kane said.
If students receive an error when they enter their on-campus address, they should submit a Service Request with USPS, Kane said. Students can indicate on the form if they are experiencing an addressing issue. They will be asked to indicate whether they live in an apartment, dorm or multi-building.
In addition to testing kits, local pharmacies and grocery stores that are Federal Pharmacy Partners have begun to offer free N95 masks on a first-come first-serve basis.
Only a select number of locations will be receiving shipments of masks. Each person will be limited to a maximum of three masks, the government says.
Dan Eastman is the assistant managing editor and can be reached at danielson.eastman@ubspectrum.com
Dan Eastman is the assistant managing editor at The Spectrum. He is a senior geography major who loves Starbucks iced americano. When he isn’t writing and editing he is trying to find the best donut and cookie shops in Buffalo. He can be found on Twitter @TheEastMan2000.
