The Biden administration has announced the return to free at-home COVID-19 tests, as Americans will now be able to order up to four rapid tests.
The tests will be available at the end of September and can be ordered through COVIDtests.gov, though there is a limit of four rapid tests per household.
The return to the testing program comes with some upgrades, as the tests will be able to detect newer COVID-19 variants and will be good for use until the end of the year.
Also this week, the Food and Drug Administration approved two updated COVID-19 vaccines that provide better protection against current strains of the virus.
The vaccines are from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna and should be rolled out within days for anyone 6 months or older.
The Department of Health and Human Services shares that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 infection, while testing helps limit the spread.
The tests being shipped out to Americans through the updated mailing program are rapid antigen tests. The FDA says that a positive test result means you very likely have the virus.
If you test negative but are experiencing symptoms, the FDA recommends taking a second test 48 hours later. For those who have been exposed, three tests are recommended, even if you don’t have symptoms.
For those who still have COVID tests, the FDA has a website that shows if they are still current or if their expiration date was extended.