WASHINGTON – The federal government’s website launched Tuesday for Americans to order rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits.
Website Says, “Every household in the US is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will typically ship in 7-12 days.”
“Order your tests now so you have them when you need them,” the website said.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed in her press briefing that the site is in its “beta phase” ahead of its official launch on Wednesday.
A White House official told NBC News, “Today, in alignment with website launch best practices, covidtests.gov is currently in its beta phase, meaning the website is operating at a limited capacity prior to its official launch. Is.” “It is standard practice to solve troubleshooting and ensure an official launch tomorrow as much as possible. We expect the website to be officially launched tomorrow afternoon.”
In December, the federal government announced that it would begin mailing covid test kit at home Free to any American household who requests one, as omicron type contribution of coronavirus a Spike in new cases, The White House said at the time it was preparing to send 500 million kits.
Public health officials have said that with long lines at testing centers and rapid testing at home being one of the biggest challenges for testing administration.
Increased demand has wiped out store shelves and forced retailers to limit purchases of home tests. Meanwhile, the growing demand for PCR tests in pharmacies, medical clinics and hospitals has led to a backlog, meaning it takes several days to get the results.
President Joe Biden and his top health officials last month largely urged people to get vaccinated and boosters, and focused on wearing masks indoors while greening off holiday celebrations for those who are fully vaccinated Did.
The demand for testing has overwhelmed the country’s capacity in places that are hardest-hit, and the administration was recently widely criticized for what appeared to be confusing recommendations for those infected.
Dr. Rochelle Valensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an effort to improve her message this month That she would begin having regular news briefings with CDC officials in addition to the weekly White House COVID briefing, which typically lasts 30 minutes and only allows for a handful of questions.
Sally Bronston Contribution,