Free COVID-19 tests available for Americans to request this month

WASHINGTON (AP) — Starting this month, Americans will be able to be able to request free COVID-19 test kits which will be mailed to your homes.

American households will be able to request up to four nasal swab tests at COVID-testing.gov When the federal program reopens, the U.S. Health and Human Services agency that oversees the program has not yet given an exact date when orders can begin to be placed.

An agency spokesman said the tests will detect current strains of the virus and can be ordered ahead of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to celebrate.

US regulators approved last month An updated COVID-19 vaccine that is designed to combat recent strains of the virus and hopefully those of next winter as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already recommended this fall’s vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.

While most Americans have some degree of immunity from previous infections or vaccinations, or both, that protection is waning. Photos from last fall targeted a different part of the coronavirus family tree, a strain that is no longer circulating.