The federal government has now sent out more than 50 million free at-home COVID-19 tests to households nationwide, according to a White House adviser.
The senior adviser, Dr. Tom INglesby, shared the update on the free testing program with CNN, adding that a majority of those who had ordered their tests received them.
"That's more than 80% of those who've ordered their tests have gotten them, and the rest will get them this week," Inglesby said on CNN.
While the tests seem to be flowing, roughly 10 million people are still waiting to get their tests, and CNN reported that some have waited for over a month after requesting them.
Those who have had issues ordering their tests reported getting messages that an order for their address was already placed. Those in apartment buildings ran into this issue if their address was labeled a multi-unit building.
Others had issues getting the tests delivered to PO boxes, rural addresses, or mobile home parks. The US Postal Service also reportedly disqualified their home because the owner used it to run a small business, CNN reported.
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Since mid-January, the program has allowed Americans to get up to four free COVID-19 tests per residential address at COVIDtests.gov. The tests are a part of a White House effort to distribute 1 billion tests after they were in demand during the recent omicron surge.
Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, said that the Postal Service has delivered more than 60% of their packages within 24 hours once it is shipped. He also said that 90% are delivered within 48 hours.
"This is an effort that has no precedent," Zients said. "There's been incredibly strong demand and incredibly strong execution shipping 200 million tests directly to Americans' doorsteps."
With COVID-19 case numbers falling as more of the U.S. recovers from the omicron surge, tests are not as necessary for many but could be useful should any resurgence in cases arise.
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