In a move to combat the increasing spread of Covid-19 in the United States, the Biden administration has announced that it will resume offering free at-home tests to American households starting in late September. This initiative comes as the virus continues to gain momentum across the country, particularly during the summer months.
Americans will have the opportunity to request four free tests through COVIDtests.gov, which will be able to detect the various Covid variants that are currently circulating, with most being descendants of the highly contagious omicron variant JN.1. This program, spearheaded by the Health and Human Services Department, aims to keep families and their loved ones safe during the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
Dawn O’Connell, an assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, emphasized the importance of these free tests, stating that it is the seventh time over the last three years that the Biden-Harris administration has offered families the opportunity to order the over-the-counter Covid-19 tests for free through the government’s website. Since its inception in 2021, the government’s program has provided over 1.8 billion free tests to Americans.
The decision to relaunch the program comes in response to a significant spike in Covid cases during the summer months and in anticipation of the traditional rise in cases during the fall and winter. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that there is a “high” or “very high” level of Covid being detected in wastewater in nearly every state in the U.S. This reopening will coincide with more Americans traveling and gathering indoors with loved ones.
David Boucher, director of infectious disease preparedness and response at HHS, highlighted the significance of providing tests at this time, stating that as people start to travel and gather for the holidays, it is crucial for them to have access to these free tests. This initiative also aligns with the availability of the latest round of Covid shots from Pfizer and Moderna, which will be widely accessible by late September.
Testing remains a critical tool in the fight against Covid-19, particularly as infections continue to rise. The affordability and accessibility of these at-home tests provide a convenient way for Americans to monitor their health and take necessary precautions. Lab PCR tests, while effective, have become increasingly expensive and less accessible for some individuals in the U.S., making these free at-home tests a valuable resource in the ongoing battle against the virus.
The Biden administration’s decision to offer free at-home Covid-19 tests to American households demonstrates a proactive and effective approach to managing the ongoing pandemic. By providing easy access to testing, the government aims to protect families and communities as they navigate the upcoming fall and winter seasons in the midst of rising Covid cases.