Free COVID-19 Test Kits Available for Americans
As the summer wave of COVID-19 cases continues, Americans will soon have the opportunity to receive free virus test kits delivered to their homes. The federal program is set to reopen in late September, allowing U.S. households to order up to four COVID-19 nasal swab tests through COVIDtests.gov.
The U.S. Health and Human Services agency has not announced the exact date for ordering to begin, but the tests will be able to detect current virus strains. This initiative comes just in time for the holiday season when families and friends gather for celebrations.
Typically, over-the-counter COVID-19 at-home tests cost around $11 each, but these free tests provided by the government will help ensure widespread access to testing. This announcement also coincides with the government’s push for updated COVID-19 boosters ahead of the fall and winter respiratory virus season.
The Biden administration has already distributed 1.8 billion COVID-19 tests, with half of them sent directly to households by mail. While the exact number of tests currently available is unknown, the government has invested tens of billions of tax-payer dollars in developing COVID-19 tests, vaccines, and treatments.
Despite the decrease in deaths and serious infections, hospitalizations have begun to rise slightly in recent weeks. With over 1 million Americans having lost their lives to the virus, it is crucial for individuals to continue practicing safety measures and staying informed about testing and vaccination options.
