There Will Be Free At-Home Covid Testing For USA Citizens
The Biden administration is preparing to send out an estimated 500 million free, at-home Covid-19 tests to USA citizens in January 2022. This is another measure in efforts to curb the new Omicron variant.
These free at-home tests go hand in hand with other measures done by the USA government which include the boosting of testing, assistance for overwhelmed hospitals, and continued encouragement for USA citizens to get vaccinated.
What Are At-Home Covid-19 Tests?
The at-home tests, similar to at-home kits authorized by the FDA, are antigen tests. These tests are effective in picking up things that the virus makes or sheds, for example, proteins. Unlike PCR in-hospital tests that pick up the virus’ genetic material, these at-home tests only pick up signs that the virus is present within the body, and not genetic material.
Fortune has confirmed that the type of brand of at-home test received by individuals is unclear. However, each one of the free tests is approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. At-home test brands delivered next month are varied, but USA citizens can expect to receive brands currently available on the USA market.
According to Time.com, no matter the variant, at-home tests require higher amounts of the virus to render positive results. However, they are still effective in identifying those who are infectious and could spread the virus to others. No matter the variant, these at-home Covid-19 tests are effective in picking up the different variants of Covid-19, including the Omicron variant which has fast become the dominant variant in the USA.
Omicron Variant Accounts For Most New USA Cases, Set To Peak In January
As stated on Bloomberg, Federal Health officials stated that Omicron had become the dominant variant of Covid-19. In December 2021, three out of four infections are tested as the Omicron variant.
These numbers are expected to increase with the winter season now upon the country, as well as December 2021 seeing USA citizens travel for the festive holidays. With this, the risk of exposure to the new variant, and the subsequent rise in infections, is expected. According to online sites, Omicron is set to peak by mid-January 2022.
In efforts to confront this resurgent pandemic and boost The White House’s efforts to make tests more freely available, the delivery of free at-home tests comes at the perfect time. According to the official website of The White House, the initial delivery will start in January 2022, with a website soon to be set up for those wanting access to free at-home tests. According to Bloomberg, Americans who receive these free tests will have to request them.
Furthermore, according to Fortune, private insurers will cover the price of these at-home tests should tests be purchased from stores or online shops and then reimbursed from health insurance providers. For USA citizens without health insurance, the at-home tests will be provided free of charge by the government.
Key Pointers For Those Self-Testing At Home
The Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released key pointers for those using at-home tests. Whether an individual suffers from symptoms, regardless of their vaccination status, these at-home tests can be used. As prescribed by the CDC, individuals must follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. Whether results render positive or negative outcomes, proper steps should be taken.
No matter the result, it is recommended that repeat testing be done after the initial testing to ensure the result is true. Thereafter, at-home testing or in-hospital testing should be done on a frequent basis – before gatherings or when symptoms appear. Even with regular testing recommended, it is unclear whether or not multiple free at-home tests will be delivered in January 2022 so individuals should financially prepare for charged tests should they only be able to obtain one free at-home test.
When testing, it is recommended that individuals swab their noses and smear the swab on the pre-treated card. Sufficient waiting should be done to allow the test to render accurate results. Some brands of at-home tests will provide the number of telehealth professionals who individuals are recommended to contact during or after the test is taken should assistance or result verification be needed.
As Experts Say, Knowing Your Status Is Important To Public Health Purposes
Hand in hand with the Biden administration, health professionals, have encouraged local citizens to take advantage of these free tests in January 2022, with knowledge of one’s Covid-19 status contributing to public health purposes. This helps to control the spread of Covid-19, as well as the Omicron variant. Come January 2022, USA citizens are encouraged to make the most of these free at-home tests and, until then, are encouraged to keep abreast of news relating to these tests and other Biden administration measures.