Tests

Feds’ Website for Free At-Home COVID Tests Launches Day Early

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Jan. 18, 2022 — Americans can now have free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their homes. The Biden administration’s new no-cost, at-home testing program launched today, a day ahead of schedule. The administration said 500 million tests are available to be delivered to homes across the country. This accounts for half of the president’s … Read more

Why Your COVID Test Results Take That Long

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Jan. 14, 2022 — As the Omicron variant has swept across the U.S., now blamed for more than 98% of COVID-19 infections, the demand for testing at labs has skyrocketed — especially since home antigen tests are scarce. On the rise, too, are complaints from test takers, who echo this anxious question: What’s taking so … Read more

Biden: More Masks, COVID Tests, and Troops to Battle Omicron

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Jan. 13, 2022 — President Joe Biden announced Thursday the U.S. government will make free, upgraded face masks available for ordering online starting next week. In addition, he is ordering 500 million more rapid COVID-19 tests to meet future demand and deploying more military teams to help overwhelmed hospitals in hardest-hit states. These actions are … Read more

Biden Administration to Provide 10 Million More Tests Per Month to Schools

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Jan. 12, 2022 — The Biden administration announced on Wednesday that 10 million more COVID-19 tests will go to schools each month in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus and keep in-person classes going. About 5 million free rapid tests and 5 million free PCR tests will go to schools each month. … Read more

Swab Nose, Throat, or Both for COVID-19 Rapid Tests?

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Jan. 11, 2022 — Many Americans are familiar with the rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 that involve swabbing the nose. But some new evidence suggests a saliva sample could boost the tests’ accuracy. Experts agree on one thing: If you’re going to test both the nose and throat, swab the throat first. In terms of … Read more

At-Home COVID Tests: Rare as Gems and Almost As Expensive

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Jan. 10, 2022 — In early December, Sascha Schweiri noticed rapid at-home COVID tests in her local pharmacy. There were so many, she figured she could just come back to pick up a few later. By the time she did, her son had been deemed a close contact of a positive case at school, but … Read more