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Free COVID Tests Available Again Starting Next Week. How To Get Them
An example of a COVID test handed out at Daniel Webster Middle School in Mar Vista.
(
Suzanne Levy
/
LAist
)
The federal program that mails free COVID tests will relaunch on Monday, Sept. 25.
Why now
As COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been rising, the federal program that was suspended on June 1 will now restart, said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $600 million to 12 COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, including five in California, to "improve preparedness for COVID-19 and other pandemic threats of the future, strengthen the nation’s capacity to manufacture tests, and secure approximately 200 million new over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for future federal government use," according to a statement from the White House.
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COVID in LA
Earlier this month, public health officials in Los Angeles County said transmission numbers were up in workplace and school settings. Hospitalizations were also up, prompting Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department Of Public Health, to say that if this trend continues, L.A. County may move into the CDC’s “medium” hospital tier by the end of September. L.A. County is currently in the low tier. The vaccine booster should be widely available across Los Angeles County this week.
What’s next
Starting Sept. 25, you can order up to four at home tests on COVIDTests.gov, which will be delivered for free via USPS.
About those expired tests
Our friends at National Public Radio report:
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The government suggests you don't throw out unused tests even if the expiration date has passed. First, check the lot numbers of any you have on hand at COVIDtests.gov — the expiration dates for many have been extended and the website will list them.
Updated September 21, 2023 at 9:27 AM PDT
This story updated with information about extended use dates on expired tests.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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