The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response announced that through a collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service, COVIDtests.gov has been reopened to ensure that households across the country have access to four additional over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free.
The agency, which is set within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stated that the tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect the current circulating COVID-19 variants. Clear instructions have also been included on how to verify extended expiration dates.
The agency intends to continue its ongoing distribution of free COVID-19 tests to long-term care facilities, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals and underserved communities as well. Through the distribution program and home-ordering program, the agency has reportedly distributed a total of more than 1.9 billion COVID-19 over-the-counter tests.
“As the fall and holiday seasons will create increased close proximity gatherings of people, the Administration remains committed to helping Americans access tests to help so that, if they develop a respiratory illness, they can learn whether it is due to COVID-19 and then make the best choices about seeking medical care and reducing risks to family, friends, and co-workers,” the agency released.
