Americans can once again request four free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government, starting Thursday, in preparation for the upcoming respiratory virus season.
This marks the third consecutive year that the Biden-Harris administration has made over-the-counter tests available at no cost to the public. Individuals who wish to order the tests can do so through COVID.gov/tests, with shipments provided free of charge by USPS beginning September 30.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the revival of the free testing program last month. Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, emphasized that as families transition indoors during the fall, they can order up to four COVID-19 tests for free and have them delivered to their homes. She noted that this initiative aims to help protect families and their loved ones throughout the fall and winter.
O’Connell also highlighted that the provided tests are designed to detect infections from currently circulating variants. Presently, the KP.3.1.1 variant, a descendant of the omicron strain, is the most prevalent in the U.S., accounting for an estimated 52.7% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
During the same briefing, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen acknowledged continued COVID-19 activity across the nation, with ongoing test results reflecting this trend. However, she also pointed out that the current levels of circulating COVID-19 are not leading to proportional increases in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or deaths, indicating that immunity from vaccinations and previous infections has helped alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.