Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Return as US Battles Surging Cases

As the United States grapples with a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the government has decided to step back into the fray by once again offering free at-home COVID-19 tests. This decision comes on the heels of a summer marked by a surge in cases and the burden of test costs falling on individuals. Starting Monday, September 25, every household in the country will have the opportunity to request up to four free COVID-19 tests through the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) official website, COVID.gov. These tests are set to be available for use until the close of 2023, with the HHS even pointing out that previously distributed tests still have extended expiration dates, so you don’t have to rush to use them.

The return of free at-home tests marks a significant shift in the fight against the virus. Earlier this year, a program providing free COVID-19 tests came to a halt following the end of the public health emergency. During this hiatus, the government has been diligently replenishing its stockpile. Now, a substantial $600 million is being funneled into the production of COVID-19 tests, with the goal of procuring a whopping 200 million tests for at-home use. In an exciting announcement, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra revealed the plan for free tests and the substantial financial commitment during his own COVID-19 booster shot event in Washington, DC. He emphasized, “These critical investments will strengthen our nation’s production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus.”

The decision to reintroduce free at-home tests is timely, given the concerning rise in COVID-19 cases across the United States. After experiencing months of decline, the country saw a resurgence beginning in early July. In the week of September 3 to 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 7.7 percent increase in hospital admissions, totaling 20,538, and a 4.5 percent increase in deaths attributed to COVID-19, bringing the total to 2.3 percent.

It’s clear that COVID-19 is not ready to exit the stage just yet, despite our collective desire to be done with it. Dawn O’Connell, the assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, has provided some perspective on this matter. She noted, “We know, if past is prologue, it’ll circulate to a higher degree and spread, and cases will go up in the fall and winter seasons.” With this foresight in mind, the government is taking proactive measures to ensure that the American people have the tools they need to confront this persistent threat. In addition to free at-home tests, the rollout of COVID-19 boosters is in full swing across the country, with the CDC recommending that everyone aged six months or older get the latest shot.

In conclusion, the return of free at-home COVID-19 tests is a welcome development in the ongoing battle against the virus. It underscores the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of a pandemic that refuses to fade away quietly. So, while we may be eager to put COVID-19 behind us, it’s evident that we must remain equipped and ready to confront the challenges it may still pose in the coming months. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and make use of those free tests to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 tests

More about COVID-19 tests

• Official COVID-19 Testing Website (COVID.gov)
• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• COVID-19 Vaccination Information