November 30, 2023 – The federal government will send thousands and thousands of free COVID-19 tests to colleges across the country, officials announced this week.
School districts could make the tests available to students, staff, parents and communities free of charge, says a Press release from the US Department of Education. Schools can equip nurses' offices, distribute the tests at events and send them home with students or parents.
“The Biden-Harris Administration remains a committed partner with schools to ensure the safety and health of our students and teachers,” said Roberto Rodriguez, acting secretary of the Department of Education. “These self-tests are easy to use and can play an important role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. We encourage schools to use these free resources to keep students, parents and staff safe throughout the 2023-24 school year.”
Axios reported a “sluggish” uptake of updated COVID vaccines, which “makes other precautions like timely testing even more important” because the respiratory virus season begins.
The Department of Health and Human Services has tons of of thousands and thousands of tests. HHS officials haven’t limited the variety of tests schools can order.
“I could imagine a situation where maybe a fifth grader has a COVID-positive student and then they send everyone from that fifth grade class home with a COVID test in their backpack,” said Dawn O'Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response.
The government recently restarted a program that permits people to order free at-home COVID tests, delivered through the U.S. Postal Service.