Expanded COVID Testing Program Provides Additional Free Tests for Households During the Holidays

The US government is allowing households to order an additional four free COVID-19 tests ahead of the holidays to prepare for a potential rise in cases. The website covidtests.gov is offering these tests, which can be ordered online. Health officials anticipate a similar number of hospitalizations this winter as last year, and they encourage people to take advantage of the free tests to protect vulnerable loved ones during gatherings. The tests are also nearing their expiration dates, prompting the need to distribute them. The funding for the tests comes from a $600 million investment in domestic test manufacturers.