WASHINGTON (Transatlantic Today) – The national government launched a website on Tuesday that allows Americans to order Covid-19 testing kits for use at home.
“Now is the time to order your tests so you’ll have them when you need them,” the website says.
As per White House press secretary Jen Psaki, covidtests.gov is in its testing phase, which means the website is functioning at a limited capability ahead of its formal debut, in accordance with website release best practices, the White House official told NBC News.
On Tuesday afternoon, some users complained about the address verification technique improperly enforcing the four-per-household restriction on apartment complexes as well as other multi-unit houses. According to a press statement from the Postal Service, the incident occurred in a small number of orders, and users who require assistance could file an appeal at emailus.usps.com/s/the-postal-store-inquiry or phone the help desk at 1-800-ASK-USPS.
Because the omicron strain of the coronavirus has been related to an upsurge in new cases, the national government announced in December that it will start issuing completely free at-home Covid testing kits to every American family that seeks one. The White House stated at the time that up to 500 million test kits would be supplied.
As per public health officials, testing remains the primary priority for the new administration, with long lines forming at diagnostic sites and at-home rapid tests routinely running out.
Due to heightened demand, store inventories have been exhausted, prompting businesses to restrict at-home test sales. Furthermore, the increased demand for screening at drugstores, health clinics, and hospitals has caused a delay, with some reports requiring multiple days to arrive.
President Joe Biden and his leading health advisers underlined the need of receiving vaccinations and boosters, as well as using a mask indoors while sanctioning festivities for fully vaccinated individuals.
In the hardest-hit regions, the demand for testing has outstripped the nation’s capability, and the government has lately been chastised for what seemed to be confusing advice for those that have been infected.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed earlier this month that, in addition to the weekly White House Covid briefings, she would begin holding frequent news briefings with other CDC authorities, which generally last half an hour and permit only a few questions.
