Increased Availability of Free Covid-19 Tests in September, Biden Administration Announces
The Biden administration has announced that free Covid-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. This initiative aims to help families and individuals stay safe during the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Dawn O’Connell, the assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighted the importance of these tests during a briefing on the upcoming respiratory virus season.
Expanded Access to Free Covid-19 Tests
Under this program, individuals will have the opportunity to receive four free Covid tests by mail. Those interested in obtaining these tests can sign up at Covidtests.gov when the program officially launches in September. Since the introduction of the home delivery program in 2021, over 900 million tests have been distributed to American households. Additionally, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response has distributed another 900 million at-home tests through community-based access points.
According to O’Connell, as the holiday season approaches and people begin planning gatherings with family and loved ones, it is crucial to remember to order free tests from Covidtests.gov. This initiative comes at a time when Covid rates have been on the rise across the country, driven by the spread of highly contagious new variants. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows an increase in the number of people testing positive for Covid and a rise in emergency room visits related to the virus since mid-May.
Response to Rising Covid Rates
The CDC’s data indicates that the wastewater viral activity level for Covid is currently classified as “very high.” This underscores the need for continued vigilance and access to testing resources to help curb the spread of the virus. In response to the evolving situation, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved updated versions of the Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. These new vaccines have been optimized to better match the circulating strains of the virus, providing enhanced protection against infection.
The availability of free Covid tests in September will play a crucial role in enabling individuals to monitor their health and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. By expanding access to testing resources, the Biden administration is taking proactive steps to support public health efforts and mitigate the impact of Covid on communities nationwide.
As the fall and winter seasons approach, it is essential for individuals to stay informed about the latest developments in the Covid pandemic and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones. Ordering free tests from Covidtests.gov will be a valuable tool in helping individuals stay safe and informed during this challenging time.
