Residents can register online to have COVID-19 tests mailed to them. (photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) applauded the launch of a federal program that enables people to have COVID-19 test kits mailed to their residences.

President Joe Biden announced plans to procure an additional 500 million COVID-19 rapid tests for free home delivery through the program. Tests can be ordered by visiting covidtests.gov and special.usps.com/testkits, and will typically be shipped within 7-12 days of ordering.

“The unprecedented spread of the omicron variant has made it clear that we have entered a challenging new phase of this pandemic – one that requires a public health response that evolves to meet the severity and urgency of the moment. An additional 500 million COVID-19 rapid tests, alongside the 500 million already promised, will be critically important as we continue to vaccinate the country and combat the virus,” Schiff said. “The federal government must do everything it can in the coming days and weeks to ensure these tests reach people when they need them and that they are accessible to all. While the rapidly-changing nature of the pandemic demands we constantly reimagine our response, we must remain vigilant that no one is slipping through the cracks. I look forward to introducing legislation soon that will ensure our efforts to defeat this virus are as comprehensive and equitable.”

The Biden administration is purchasing one billion at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests that will be distributed free to homes. To promote broad access, the initial program will allow four free tests to be requested per residential address.

To ensure equity and access for all Americans, the Biden administration is also launching a call line to help people unable to access the website to place orders, and will work with national and local community-based organizations to support the nation’s hardest-hit and highest-risk communities in requesting tests.

Schiff said last week, he led more than 50 colleagues in the House of Representatives and Senate in urging the president to increase the supply of rapid tests and removing financial and logistical barriers to access.

“I have been pleased to see the administration take action on some of our recommendations in just the past few days, from procuring these additional tests to announcing plans to set up a phone line so those without reliable broadband can order free rapid tests and requiring private insurers to cover up to eight kits per month,” Schiff said. “I urge everyone to take measures to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting fully vaccinated and boosted.”

For information, visit whitehouse.gov and schiff.house.gov.