The Biden administration announced on Friday that it will resume offering free at-home Covid-19 tests to American households in late September. This decision comes as the virus has gained a stronger foothold in the U.S. this summer, with a significant increase in Covid cases.
Americans will soon be able to request four free tests through COVIDtests.gov. These tests will be able to detect the various Covid variants that are currently circulating, including those descended from the highly contagious omicron variant JN.1. The government aims to make these tests available to help keep families and their loved ones safe during the upcoming fall and winter season.
According to Dawn O’Connell, an assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Health and Human Services Department, this marks the seventh time over the last three years that the Biden-Harris administration has provided families with the opportunity to order free over-the-counter Covid-19 tests through the government’s website. Since its inception in 2021, the program has distributed over 1.8 billion free over-the-counter Covid tests to Americans.
Timing of Relaunch
The decision to relaunch the free test program comes amidst a notable spike in Covid cases this summer. It also precedes the fall and winter seasons, during which the virus typically spreads at higher rates. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a “high” or “very high” level of Covid being detected in wastewater in almost every U.S. state.
As the government gears up for the upcoming travel and indoor gathering season, the availability of free Covid tests is crucial for early detection and prevention. David Boucher, director of infectious disease preparedness and response at HHS, emphasized the importance of having tests available as people start traveling and gathering with friends and family, especially during the holidays.
The reopening of the free test program coincides with the availability of the latest round of Covid shots from Pfizer and Moderna in pharmacies, health clinics, and other locations nationwide. These shots target a JN.1 offshoot called KP.2 and were approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Testing remains a critical tool for protection as Covid infections continue to rise, especially with the challenges of accessibility and affordability of lab PCR tests.