How to get free at-home Covid tests and check expiration dates

Each household can get four free at-home Covid tests by mail, the Biden administration announced. Private insurance and Medicare also cover monthly tests.

The third holiday season since the pandemic started is underway, and more than 400 people are still dying of Covid every day, on average, according to NBC News' tally. Average daily cases have risen nearly 45% in the last two weeks.

To combat the virus' spread, White House officials announced Thursday that each household can order four free at-home tests. The tests will be mailed directly to homes starting the week of Dec. 19.

The Biden administration had suspended the program in September due to a lack of funding. But on a call with reporters, a senior administration official said the White House is using money from the Covid stimulus bill passed last year to pay for the additional tests.

“We’re seeing Covid cases rising in parts of the country following Thanksgiving. And while Covid isn’t the disruptive force it once was, we know that the virus will circulate more quickly and easily as folks gather indoors for the winter holiday season,” the official said.

The Biden administration is also distributing rapid tests to food banks and low-income housing programs for seniors, the official said. And the White House has asked governors to set up more Test to Treat sites, which allow some people who test positive for Covid to receive antivirals like Paxlovid at little to no cost.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/get-free-covid-tests-check-expiration-date-rcna56482

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