US Government to Provide Free COVID Tests Again, Including At-Home Options

The US government is relaunching its program to provide free COVID-19 tests to American households starting next week. Each household will be able to order four tests online through COVIDTests.gov. The tests, which can detect new COVID variants, are intended for use until the end of the year. The Biden administration will invest $600 million to manufacture and deliver COVID tests. The program aims to strengthen pandemic preparedness, reduce reliance on other countries, and create jobs. Free tests were previously available during the public health emergency, and the relaunch comes as COVID cases and hospitalizations have risen. The government will also continue to make tests available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities.