Title: US Government Resumes Free COVID-19 Home Test Program Amid Rising Hospitalizations
In a bid to curb the surge in COVID-19 cases and alleviate the pressure on hospitals, the US government announced the relaunch of a program offering free at-home COVID-19 tests for Americans. The program, which was temporarily suspended in May, will recommence operations on September 25.
Under the initiative, US households can easily order four free tests from Covidtests.gov, a dedicated website for COVID-19 testing in the country. The move comes as the government seeks to expand testing availability and ensure that citizens can conveniently access the tests they need.
Since the inception of the program, the US government has shipped an impressive 755 million free COVID-19 tests to individuals who requested them. With the revival of the initiative, these tests will be available until the end of 2023, giving Americans ample time to utilize this resource.
To enable the prolonged availability of tests, the US Department of Health and Human Services has been actively resupplying its stockpile. Additionally, instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates will be provided to ensure the efficacy of these tests.
Recognizing the importance of strengthening the manufacturing capacity for COVID-19 tests, the federal government has allocated $600 million to 12 US COVID-19 test manufacturers. This funding will facilitate the purchase of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests and reinforce the manufacturing capabilities of states such as New Jersey, California, Texas, Washington, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
The decision to revive the free at-home COVID-19 test program comes at a critical juncture, as COVID-19 hospitalizations in the US have been surging since July. Weekly admissions have now surpassed triple the levels of two months ago, underscoring the urgent need for widespread testing to identify infections and prevent further strain on healthcare systems.
With the reinstatement of this crucial initiative, the US government aims to empower American households to prioritize their health and well-being. By providing easy access to free COVID-19 tests, citizens can play an active role in curbing the spread of the virus, protecting themselves, and contributing to the broader goal of defeating the pandemic.
As the battle against COVID-19 continues, the US government remains committed to facilitating testing accessibility and combating the rising hospitalization rates. By offering free home tests and bolstering manufacturing capacities, the nation takes a significant stride towards ensuring the health and safety of its citizens.
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