Free COVID-19 tests from U.S. government in late September

Stay Safe with Free At-Home COVID Tests

As COVID-19 infections continue to rise across the country, the federal government is stepping in to provide free at-home tests starting in late September. This initiative allows every U.S. household to order up to four COVID tests that can detect the current variants circulating, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Easy Access to Testing

Since 2022, the federal government has distributed more than 900 million free tests through their program, which will now be available on COVIDtests.gov. These at-home tests offer quick results in 30 minutes or less, making it convenient for individuals to monitor their health and prevent the spread of COVID.

Additional Resources

For those in Philadelphia, the city’s health department also provides free at-home test kits at five resource hubs. This initiative aims to make testing more accessible and help residents stay informed about their COVID status.

Importance of Testing

While vaccines remain the best defense against COVID, testing plays a crucial role in identifying and containing the virus. Health experts recommend following CDC guidelines, which advise individuals to wait until any fever is gone and symptoms have improved for 24 hours before returning to normal activities.

New Vaccines for Variants

The recent surge in COVID cases has led to the approval of new vaccines targeting the summer variants by the Food and Drug Administration. The CDC now recommends everyone aged six months and older to get the updated COVID vaccine, regardless of their previous vaccination status.

Staying Informed

Although Philadelphia has seen a rise in COVID infections and hospitalizations, there has not been an increase in COVID-related deaths, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. By staying vigilant and utilizing resources like free at-home tests, individuals can continue to protect themselves and their communities from the ongoing threat of COVID-19.