The US government is set to relaunch a program that will provide free Covid-19 home tests to American households starting on September 25. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the initiative during an event where he received his Covid-19 and flu vaccinations. This program aims to address the rising number of Covid-19 hospitalizations in the country by providing individuals with the ability to request four free tests from Covidtests.gov. With the testing program being temporarily suspended in May due to supply preservation, the government has been resupplying its stockpile to ensure an extended expiration date for the tests. Additionally, $600 million will be allocated to 12 US Covid-19 test manufacturers to enhance manufacturing capacity and acquire around 200 million over-the-counter Covid-19 tests for federal use. This investment will bolster the nation’s production levels of domestic at-home Covid-19 rapid tests and contribute to curbing the spread of the virus.
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Program Relaunch
The US government has announced the relaunch of a program that will provide free Covid-19 home tests to Americans. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, made the announcement during an event at a Washington CVS Pharmacy where he was vaccinated against Covid-19 and flu. Starting from September 25, US households will be able to order four free tests from Covidtests.gov.
Previous Program Suspension
The program to provide free Covid-19 home tests was temporarily suspended in May. This was done in order to preserve the supply of tests during the end of the Covid-19 public health emergency. With the program now being relaunched, people will once again have access to these crucial testing resources.
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Stockpile Resupply
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, under the Department of Health and Human Services, has been actively resupplying the stockpile of Covid-19 tests. The upcoming tests, which can be ordered for free by US households, are intended for use until the end of 2023. The tests will come with instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates, ensuring their efficacy and reliability.
Funding for Manufacturers
To strengthen the manufacturing capacity for Covid-19 tests in the US, $600 million in funding has been allocated to 12 Covid-19 test manufacturers. This funding will not only support the manufacturers in increasing their production levels but will also enable the purchase of approximately 200 million over-the-counter Covid-19 tests for use by the federal government. The funding will benefit manufacturers located in New Jersey, California, Texas, Washington, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Reducing Reliance on Overseas Manufacturing
One of the key objectives of the Biden-Harris Administration is to reduce the nation’s reliance on overseas manufacturing for critical supplies like Covid-19 tests. The partnership between the administration and domestic manufacturers has made significant progress in this regard. By strengthening the production levels of domestic at-home Covid-19 rapid tests, the administration aims to address vulnerabilities in the supply chain and help mitigate the spread of the virus.
Rise in Covid-19 Hospitalizations
Covid-19 hospitalizations in the United States have been on the rise since July. Over the past two months, weekly admissions have more than tripled, indicating the severity of the situation. In the week ending September 9, more than 20,500 people were admitted to the hospital with Covid-19. This number is approximately 8% higher than the previous week’s admissions. These rising hospitalizations highlight the urgent need for free Covid-19 tests to identify and contain the spread of the virus.
Contributing Factors
This information is based on data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rising hospitalizations demonstrate the increasing demand for testing resources as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to climb. Access to free tests will play a crucial role in identifying and isolating positive cases, thereby helping to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Additional Context
Deidre McPhillips, a contributor to the report, emphasizes the importance of expanding access to free Covid-19 tests. With the relaunch of the program, more Americans will be able to conveniently and affordably access testing resources. This will not only help individuals make informed decisions about their health but will also contribute to the collective effort of controlling the spread of the virus.
CNN Coverage
As a trusted news source, CNN is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information about Covid-19. The network will continue to cover testing initiatives, including the relaunch of the program that provides free Covid-19 home tests. By delivering timely news and updates, CNN aims to keep people informed about the evolving pandemic situation and the measures being taken to mitigate its impact.
Service Availability
To be eligible for ordering free tests, households can visit Covidtests.gov starting from September 25. The website will provide information on how to request the tests and the necessary steps to be followed. It is important to note that delivery and turnaround times may vary depending on the demand and logistical factors. However, the government is committed to ensuring timely access to these tests so that individuals can take necessary precautions and seek appropriate medical care if needed.
