Federal Government Offers Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests to Slow the Virus’s Spread
The federal government is once again providing free at-home tests for COVID-19 in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. These tests can be ordered through COVIDTests.gov and each order includes four rapid antigen tests. Only one order is allowed per residential address.
To request the tests, individuals simply need to provide their name and mailing address via a simple form on the website. No payment information is required. The tests will be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service starting next week.
The Biden administration announced the decision to offer free at-home tests as part of a $600 million plan to combat the virus. The goal is to make these tests available throughout the holiday season to slow down the spread of the virus.
Dawn O’Connell, the Department of Health and Human Services’ assistant secretary for preparedness and response, emphasized the importance of continuing testing efforts. Whether or not people are done with it, we know the virus is there, we know that it’s circulating…cases will go up in the fall and winter seasons, she said.
Massimo Pacilli, the Chicago Department of Public Health’s deputy commissioner of disease control, highlighted the role that testing plays in preparing for the upcoming seasons. He advised people to get tested when they have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Testing allows individuals to isolate themselves, protect others, and seek early treatment if necessary.
Although Chicago currently has a low COVID-19 risk level, there has been a 30% increase in hospitalizations over the past week. This rise indicates a gradual increase in COVID-19 activity, according to Pacilli. However, he also mentioned that the number of hospitalizations is significantly lower than a year ago, thanks to vaccination and prior infections.
Last week, a new vaccine designed to provide better protection against severe illness from COVID-19 variants arrived in Chicago. Despite this, vaccination rates dropped to pandemic lows as clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies began stocking the new vaccine. Pacilli expects vaccinations to increase in the coming weeks as more providers have access to vaccine supplies.
The availability of free at-home tests, in addition to the tests already offered at stores and pharmacies, aims to increase testing capacity and awareness. It is hoped that these efforts will help control and mitigate the impact of the virus as we head into the fall and winter seasons.
