Due to high demands of free at-home COVID-19 test kits, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has paused orders until Thursday, January 6 – at the earliest.

According to the DHSS, the tentative one-day pause is to allow their contractor to ship tests promptly. Tests are scheduled to be offered on a limited basis each day in January.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reminds residents that free at-home COVID-19 test kits can be ordered online once the pause is lifted.

In May 2021, the state of Missouri announced it would be offering free test kits that are delivered straight to your doorsteps within two days of ordering. The at-home tests remain good for six months. Once the test is activated, individuals can send the kit back to a collection site using a prepaid FedEx overnight shipping envelope. Results are made available, digitally, 48-hours after your sample is received.

DHSS says, “These kits should not be stockpiled. DHSS would encourage those who need the tests at this time to use them by mailing in their sample as instructed. If the COVID-19 positivity rate in Missouri increases significantly, the State may work with the vendor to increase the daily ordering allotment. With the high case rates and limited testing supplies available nationwide, now is the time to utilize these tests especially for those who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have had exposure to a COVID-19 positive case.”

Individuals needing COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination resources are urged to contact their local health departments for more information.