COVID-19 testing is currently available at no cost from the United States government.
The U.S. government announced $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and relaunch the website, authorizing United States citizens to again order more than four free tests per family in order to avoid potential shortages during a spike in coronavirus cases, which typically occur during the winter season.
From Monday, citizens can get four tests per home from Covidtest.gov. Those without an internet connection can request testing by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
COVID-19 quick tests can be performed at home and can be utilized whether or not a person is experiencing symptoms. The tests ought to remain valid till the end of the year. Although some of the dates on the tests appear to have expired, the US Food and Drug Administration is revising those dates.
Previously, the United States government distributed over 755 million free COVID-19 tests to those who sought them. Since May, the program has been stopped.
According to results from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the reintroduction of the program arrives as COVID admissions continue to rise, surpassing 20,000 for the first time since March this month.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID data monitor discovered that COVID-19 was related to 2.7% of all deaths in the United States for the week of September 10–16, a 12.5% rise over the previous week.
Since the public health emergency ended in May, several insurers have ceased paying the cost of COVID tests. Since June 1, the program initiated by the government has been offline.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise people to get tested if they experience any COVID-19-like symptoms such as a loss of smell, runny nose, sore throat, loss of taste, or a fever.
In the United States, people ought to be tested at least five days after coming into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. If a person tests negative, they are advised to retest 48 hours later.
Dawn O’Connell on COVID-19 Situation
Dawn O’Connell, HHS’s assistant secretary for preparedness and response, stated that the website will stay operational to accept orders through the holidays and that we have the right to keep it open even longer if we begin to detect a spike in cases.
If these tests are required, O’Connell says, “we want to make sure that they are made available to the residents of the United States for free in this manner.” But, for the time being, we’re just trying to get through the holidays and make sure people can take a test if they’re traveling to see Grandma for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The tests are intended for use before the end of the year and are designed to detect COVID variations that have recently circulated. The FDA has still extended the expiration dates for some at-home tests. According to the FDA, the extensions were granted because “the producer provided data indicating that its lifespan is longer than was known when the test was first approved.” The FDA’s website has a full list of COVID-19 tests and when they expire.
Dawn O’Connell said, We have seen instances rise in each of the seasons where COVID has been a problem, as individuals go indoors into warm places and away from the outside.
The campaign follows four earlier cycles in which government officials and the US Postal Service distributed over 755 million free tests to households across the country.
The testing program will return as the Biden administration prepares to increase messaging on COVID-19 vaccines, flu, and RSV, including for those at greatest risk, including elders and small children.
Through thousands of community outreach activities, the U.S. government claims it will continue to make additional testing available to individuals without healthcare. Check online at an HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location to identify a program that offers additional government-funded tests.
Also Read: How a Government Shutdown Might Potentially Affect You?
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