More free government-provided coronavirus (COVID-19) tests are available for home delivery by mail

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans could ask for more Free COVID-19 tests Online for home delivery.

The US government is offering to send another round of four at-home virus tests before the typical emergence of cases during the winter holiday season.

Anyone who didn’t order a set of four COVID-19 tests in September can secure up to eight of them this time starting Monday at Covidtests.gov. The US Postal Service will deliver it for free.

The government is mailing coronavirus tests Flu season It starts and rises in Cases of respiratory syncytial virus It has been reported in some locations across the country. Hospitalizations for COVID-19, which have occurred More than a million people were killed In the United States, it has been on the rise this fall but has remained steady in recent weeks. Immunity from previous vaccinations and infections has kept the number of cases lower compared to other years.

The new rollout of free nasal swab tests for COVID-19 also comes ahead of the first winter since the pandemic began in which insurance companies are no longer required to cover their costs. On average, home tests now cost $11, according to an analysis by the nonprofit health research firm KFF.

Also approved by the Food and Drug Administration Updated COVID-19 vaccines in September in hopes of reviving protection for Americans this winter. The shots target one of the Omicron strains called XBB.1.5, replacing older vaccines that targeted the original coronavirus strain and a much older Omicron version. The injection is recommended for everyone 6 months or older, however Uptake was slow.

American taxpayers have spent tens of billions of dollars to develop COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments in the three years since. The epidemic has begun.