(CNN) —
The US government quietly launched its website to sign up for free COVID-19 tests.
The platform allows people to request a maximum of four tests that will be sent directly to their home.
Since the formal launch was not expected until Wednesday, a White House official said this is just the beta phase to ensure the site runs smoothly.
"In line with best website launch practices, covidtests.gov is currently in its beta phase, which means the page is operating in limited capacity prior to its official launch," an official with the agency told CNN. White House. "This is standard practice to address any issues and ensure as smooth an official launch tomorrow as possible. We expect the website to officially launch mid-morning tomorrow."
Although the official said the site was only operating at a limited capacity, it is not clear how the initial phase of the site is limited.
Once shipping information was entered online, the site instructed people that the tests would start shipping "at the end of January."
It also indicated that the United States Postal Service, which handles deliveries, "will only send a set of 4 free covid-19 home tests to valid residential addresses."
