Biden's at home testing website goes live one day early: Families will be sent only four tests and they won't be shipped until the end of January White House says COVIDTests.gov site is live ahead of Wednesday's launch Jen Psaki said it is in 'beta testing' before official opening People can order four tests which will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service Anyone needing more than four - or who need immediate results - is told to seek other source of tests 'We can't guarantee there won't be a bug or two,' cautioned Psaki By Rob Crilly, Senior U.S. Political Reporter For Dailymail.Com Published: 18:25 GMT, 18 January 2022 | Updated: 18:39 GMT, 18 January 2022 2 Viewcomments The Biden administration launched its website for ordering at-home COVID tests without fanfare on Tuesday, a day before it was scheduled to officially open. The website, COVIDTests.gov, includes a link for Americans to order up to four tests per residential address, to be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Although it is a central part of President Joe Biden's pandemic response, it still means families of four or more, or people in need of urgent results will have to look for other sources of tests. And the packs will not start shipping until late in the month. During her regular briefing on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the site was operating at limited capacity. 'It will officially launch tomorrow morning,' she said. 'It's in the beta testing phase right now.' Biden announced last month that his administration would buy 500 million tests to kickstart the scheme. The Biden administration opened its website for free at-home tests without fanfare on Tuesday USers who need a COVID-19 test now, or need more than four tests, are directed elsewhere The site offers advice for people on when and how to best use the tests White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said it was undergoing 'beta testing' head of an official launch on Wednesday On Thursday, he said he doubling the order to one billion tests. However, Americans in need of urgent results will have to seek other options because of shipping times. 'Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests,' says the website. 'The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. 'Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.' Officials emphasized that the federal website is just one way for people to procure COVID-19 tests, and shortages of at-home test kits have shown signs of easing as more supply has hit the market. Anyone, clicking on a button to order tests is directed to the United States Postal Service and can check out with a pack of four tests at zero cost. 'COVID-19 tests will start shipping in late January,' it says after orders are placed. Psaki said the beta testing was designed to provide the best service possible but admitted that teething troubles were possible. 'We didn't start from scratch here, of course,' she said. 'The Postal Service already runs a website that sells goods to the public. As you know, every website launch and our view comes with risk. 'We can't guarantee there won't be a bug or two. But the best tech teams across the administration and the Postal Service are working hard to make this a success.' Since Saturday, private insurance companies have been required to cover the cost of at-home rapid tests, allowing Americans to be reimbursed for tests they purchase at pharmacies and online retailers. That covers up to eight tests per month. Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility