You’ve just received – or expect to receive shortly – four free coronavirus tests from the federal government, so what next?

Sure, you might be curious to see how one of these things works by jabbing a swab up your nose and making a test run, but maybe hold that thought for a moment.

Giving out 400 million free masks and mailing millions of rapid tests are the Biden administration’s latest efforts to slow the omicron variant, which has driven daily cases to the highest levels of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 3,500 deaths were reported Friday – above last January’s average of 3,157 per day. If the virus is unchecked, the U.S. death toll will reach 900,000 in February .

Reported new cases have trended down in the past few days, but testing also has fallen off.

COVID-19 tests and cases fall from pandemic peaks

How can you help put the breaks on the virus?

Getting vaccinated and wearing a face covering top the list, but testing yourself is a close third.

Taking the test is relatively easy (more on that below), but it’s important to know when to take it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines two times to test yourself.

When to use your test kit

The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to a dozen home test manufacturers . The Biden administration announced contracts with three major manufacturers – Abbott Laboratories, iHealth Lab and Roche Diagnostics – to supply the first wave of free home tests.

You can get your free tests here . The covidtest.gov site says you can expect a test within seven to 12 days of ordering. That’s in addition to the eight at-home coronavirus tests Americans with health insurance can get each month for free.