As the fight against COVID-19 continues, the Biden administration is taking a proactive step to put free COVID-19 rapid tests back in the hands of Americans. Starting Monday, September 25, the federal government will distribute up to four free COVID-19 rapid tests to every household that requests them. This initiative comes as a response to the recognition that COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States have peaked in January for the past three years. The administration emphasizes that testing remains a critical component in minimizing the spread of the virus.
Throughout the pandemic, various programs provided Americans with access to free testing, treatment, and vaccination. However, many of these programs ceased to exist this year as the pandemic emergency designation expired. Now, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically through its Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, is committing a substantial $600 million investment to ramp up the manufacturing of COVID-19 tests.
This substantial funding has been awarded to 12 U.S. manufacturers, resulting in the purchase of 200 million tests. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has stated that the primary objective is to strengthen the U.S. supply chain for COVID-19 tests and reduce reliance on overseas manufacturers. This strategic move aims to ensure a consistent and robust supply of tests for the American population.
The distribution of free rapid tests by mail began during the peak of the Omicron wave in January 2022, which marked the highest level of COVID-19 infections observed thus far. The offer of free tests was subsequently renewed multiple times, resulting in the distribution of a staggering 755 million free tests. This effort highlights the government’s commitment to making testing accessible to all Americans.
One noteworthy point is that you shouldn’t dispose of unused tests even if their expiration date has passed. The government has extended the expiration dates for many tests, and you can easily check if your tests are still valid by visiting COVIDtests.gov, where the updated expiration dates are listed.
In addition to providing free tests to households, the Office of Strategic Preparedness also supplies free COVID-19 tests to long-term care facilities, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals, and underserved communities. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure that testing remains widely available to those who need it most.
In a time where public health remains a top priority, the Biden administration’s commitment to distributing free COVID-19 rapid tests demonstrates a proactive stance in combating the ongoing impact of the pandemic. By making testing readily accessible, the administration aims to empower individuals and communities to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions in the face of COVID-19.
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