Residents of the United States can now request additional free Covid-19 test kits from the federal government as the country approaches the respiratory virus season, with high levels of the virus already present. Starting today, each household can order four at-home test kits via COVIDTests.gov, which will be shipped free of charge beginning next week through the US Postal Service.
This marks the seventh round of distribution in a program that has provided over 900 million free tests to Americans since its initiation in winter 2021, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The rapid antigen tests yield results in approximately 30 minutes. This new set of tests is designed to detect currently circulating variants and can be used for individuals with Covid-19 symptoms, those without symptoms, and regardless of vaccination status.
“Reviving this popular program is the latest move by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that Covid-19 tests are accessible to everyone wanting them this fall and winter,” HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell stated. “Before gathering with family and friends this holiday season, take a quick test to help keep everyone safe from Covid-19.”
The test kits also include options tailored to be more user-friendly for individuals with disabilities that affect dexterity or vision. Additional details about these tests can be found at ACL.gov/AccessibleTests.
According to the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, “Covid-19 testing is crucial for identifying infections, allowing individuals to take necessary actions to reduce severe illness risk and preventing further virus spread.”
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises those who test positive for Covid-19 to stay home and isolate from others until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
The US Food and Drug Administration recommends taking multiple rapid tests to confirm a negative result: two negative tests for symptomatic individuals and three for those without symptoms, conducted 48 hours apart.
The CDC also urges everyone aged 6 months and older to get an updated Covid-19 vaccine this season. This year offers several options: mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer have been updated to address KP.2, a dominant variant since May. These vaccines are available for those aged 6 months and older. A traditional protein vaccine from Novavax, targeting the JN.1 variant, is also accessible but is approved only for individuals aged 12 and older.
Updated Covid-19 vaccines are currently available at pharmacies nationwide and can be administered alongside the annual flu vaccine.
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen emphasized the importance of vigilance as winter approaches, urging everyone to utilize available tools like vaccines, testing, and treatments to combat illnesses that lead to significant fall and winter hospitalizations and deaths.