From CNBC: 2024-08-23 12:52:24

The Biden administration will provide free at-home Covid-19 tests to American households starting in late September. Individuals can request four tests through COVIDtests.gov to detect Covid variants, especially the omicron variant JN.1. This initiative aims to keep families safe during the upcoming fall and winter seasons following a surge in Covid cases. Over 1.8 billion free tests have been distributed since 2021.

The government’s decision to relaunch the program is in response to higher levels of Covid cases detected in almost every U.S. state’s wastewater. As more Americans gather indoors and travel, the administration wants to ensure access to tests. By late September, the latest Covid shots from Pfizer and Moderna, approved to target the KP.2 variant, will be widely available.

With rising Covid infections, free at-home tests are crucial for protection, especially as lab PCR tests have become more costly and less accessible. Despite the public health emergency ending in May 2021, certain local health clinics and community sites still provide at-home tests to the public at no cost.



Read more at CNBC: U.S. will offer free at-home kits starting late September