Americans can now order up to four free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery, thanks to a new initiative from the U.S. government. This opportunity is open to anyone who did not order tests in the previous round, and starting Monday, individuals can secure up to eight tests from covidtests.gov, with delivery provided by the U.S. Postal Service at no charge. With flu season beginning and some areas experiencing an RSV spike, this initiative comes at a perfect time to help people prepare for potential virus transmission increases during the winter holiday season.
The distribution of free COVID-19 tests is significant as it follows the time when insurers are no longer required to cover their cost, leaving many people paying out of pocket for at-home tests that typically cost around $11. In September, the Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting the XBB.1.5 descendant of the omicron variant, aimed at enhancing protection during the winter months. Vaccinations are recommended for everyone age 6 months or older, but their uptake has been slow despite billions of dollars invested by U.S. taxpayers in developing COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and tests over the past three years, underscoring the government’s commitment to combatting the pandemic.
Federal health officials also emphasize the importance of immunity from previous vaccinations and infections in helping to limit case counts as we head into winter months.
Overall, this initiative is a positive step towards ensuring that Americans have access to free and convenient testing options during a critical time in our fight against COVID-19 and its variants.
In summary: The U.S government has announced that Americans can now order up to four free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery once again starting Monday through covidtests.gov with delivery provided by USPS at no charge . This opportunity is available to anyone who did not order tests in previous rounds as flu season begins and some areas experience an RSV spike . Additionally, federal health officials emphasize immunity from previous vaccinations and infections as important in limiting case counts as we head into winter months . The distribution of free COVID-19 tests is significant as it follows insurers are no longer required to cover their cost leaving many people paying out of pocket for at-home tests .