In recent weeks, the U.S. has seen an uptick within the variety of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

In line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 19,674 people were hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 from Sept. 16-25. To limit the spread of the virus, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the reopening of COVIDTests.gov, offering free COVID-19 tests to households across the country.

The choice got here 4 months after several insurance firms stopped covering the prices of the tests, making people pay out of their pockets.

This initiative attempts to boost the nation’s preparedness to mitigate the spread of the virus over the subsequent few months. The move will even strengthen the U.S.’ responses to other pandemic threats and challenges in the longer term.

SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose once they cough, sneeze, talk, sing or breathe through tiny particles or droplets called aerosols. The virus also spreads when an individual comes involved with contaminated surfaces.

The diagnostic tests can show if you’ve an lively COVID-19 infection. Moreover, the newly available COVID-19 tests have the potential to detect latest strains of the virus, including “Eris” (EG.5), a variant of the Omicron type of the coronavirus that has been reported in multiple states across the U.S.

The HHS announced that each household within the U.S. can place an order 4 4 free COVID-⁠19 rapid antigen tests and have it delivered on to their home from Sept. 25.

The way to get free tests

People can order the free at-home COVID-19 tests from the COVIDtests.gov website. The USA Postal Service (USPS) will ship these orders freed from charge ranging from Oct. 2.

It is vital to notice that every residential address is restricted to 1 order.

If people encounter difficulties ordering online, they also can place an order by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

These free tests are intended to be used through the tip of 2023, and can include clear instructions on learn how to confirm prolonged expiration dates.

In line with the official statement from HHS, this initiative includes an investment of $600 million in 12 domestic COVID-19 test manufacturers through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). This move will boost the country’s ability to supply tests and secure around 200 million latest over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for future use.

“Manufacturing COVID-19 tests in america strengthens our preparedness for the upcoming fall and winter seasons, reduces our reliance on other countries,” said Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell.

These efforts complement the continued efforts of ASPR to distribute free COVID-19 tests to long-term care facilities, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals, and underserved communities, with 500 million tests provided thus far through these channels.

Published by Medicaldaily.com