Americans can now order up to four free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery once again. This opportunity is available to anyone who did not order a batch of tests in the previous round. Starting Monday, individuals can secure up to eight tests from covidtests.gov, with delivery provided by the U.S. Postal Service at no charge. This initiative from the U.S. government comes as flu season begins and some areas of the country are experiencing a spike in RSV cases, and with COVID-19 hospitalizations remaining steady this fall, it is an effort to prepare people for potential increases in virus transmission during winter holidays.
The distribution of free COVID-19 tests is happening just in time for the winter holiday season, when cases typically surge. With the U.S. Postal Service ensuring free delivery, this opportunity is designed to help people prepare for potential increases in virus transmission during this period of time when vaccinations are recommended for everyone age 6 months or older but their uptake has been slow. Federal health officials are noting that immunity from previous vaccinations and infections plays an important role in helping limit case counts as well as updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting XBB variant descendant have been approved by Food and Drug Administration in September to enhance protection during winter season, which costs around $11 out of pocket for at-home tests previously without insurance coverage requirement now individuals will be able to get them for free
Over the past three years, U.S taxpayers have invested billions of dollars in development of COVID-19 tests, vaccines, and treatments highlighting government’s commitment to combatting pandemic .