The U.S. government this week began to make freely available the Covid-19 home tests, which are mailed by a lemonade brand that’s among those that have boosted its product manufacturing since launch in December last year for a long term answer to the pandemic or simply an interim solution? It provides a perspective on what this program means, and how the fight with COVID is not over yet.
The Free Test Program
Later this month, the U.S. government says Americans will be able to order four free COVID-19 nasal swab tests online that will be shipped directly to households. The program is intended to make testing more accessible as the holiday season approaches and people travel to visit family and friends.
The US Health and Human Services umbrella overseeing the free test program has not announced when those orders will start. But they have said the tests should still detect the existing virus strains, and will be useful in battling COVID-19.
The initiative is part of the broader move by the government to fight the pandemic and extend support to Americans. Given the rising number of cases and new variants of COVID-19, making tests free may allow more people to learn their status so that they are able to take precautions.
The Importance of Testing
COVID-19 testing has been central to the pandemic response since day one. The ability to find those that have the virus and keep them away from everyone else has been critical in stopping this spread of the disease. Yet as rapidly as this demand appeared, the availability and accessibility of tests have been an ongoing struggle, with options either unavailable to myriad individuals or often tied up for days in order to get test results.
The idea behind the free testing program, to make them as convenient — and everywhere — as possible for Americans. This is especially significant as the holiday season nears—so many friends and families means larger group gatherings. With easy-testing the government is hoping to get more people tested – even if they have no symptoms, had been exposed to someone with COVID or are just curious.
Additionally, it is important to be able to detect the viruses circulating at a specific moment in time, because the virus responsible for COVID-19 has shown continuous changes due to genetic mutations, which have led to new variants that could have higher transmissibility and may decrease efficacy of vaccines and therapeutics. The government is doing so by providing tests that would identify these new strains as quickly as possible to allow people and communities to monitor for any spread and take action to protect themselves and their families.
Conclusion
This is a major step in the fight to contain the virus. Through simple testing, allowing anyone to take control and make educated decisions about their health as well as the those of their family and close ones. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that this process is not a panacea; continued vigilance and collective effort will be necessary in order to defeat the ongoing and dynamic threat represented by COVID-19 as well as the emerging variants. As we continue to find our way in this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we remain informed, keep connected and ensure we are creating a healthier, stronger and more resilient future, together.
