As the spread of a new COVID-19 variant increases across the US, the federal government is once again offering free at-home COVID-19 test kits to American households.
Individuals can begin ordering the test kits later this month, following a summer uptick in cases.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not yet announced the official start date for orders, but they will be available through the government-run website, COVIDTests.gov. The program, which has previously distributed more than 900 million tests, allows each household to order four free at-home tests.
Once orders are placed, the US Postal Service will deliver the kits directly to homes. The tests are designed to detect current variants of COVID-19 and will be valid for use through the end of 2024. HHS hopes that the kits will arrive ahead of major holiday gatherings when people tend to travel and congregate, raising the risk of virus transmission.
The Biden administration restarted this program last fall after a temporary pause to conserve testing supplies. The program was initially launched in January 2022. With COVID-19 cases rising again, HHS encourages individuals to test themselves if exposed or symptomatic, in order to take measures like isolation or treatment to prevent spreading the virus.
Beyond the free test kits, the federal government has launched other measures to help curb the virus’ spread, including an updated COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved new vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, which are currently being administered nationwide.
These efforts aim to protect Americans during the respiratory virus season, especially as the virus continues to evolve and circulate in communities across the country.
