More cases of the new XEC variant have emerged across the country and the Biden administration has promised the delivery of more at-home free COVID tests. From next week, American households will be able to request four free rapid antigen tests via the administration website covidtests.gov. This has been the first time the DVD program has been revived since it was initiated in the previous May how due to emergent worries of the additional transmissible forms.

The XEC variant, one of the sublineages of Omicron, has been on the rise in the last few weeks and has been touted to be the dominant strain in the U.S. shortly. It seems to be less dangerous than previous variants but due to its highest ever R-rate it has resulted in higher number of cases and hospital admissions where it has struck. Health departments are counting on higher utilization of free testing to stem the spread as the fall and winter months draw near.

Dr. Ashish Jha, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, emphasized the importance of testing in managing the ongoing pandemic: Testing continues to be an essential strategy we use to combat COVID-19. And by making these tests available once again for free we are giving Americans the tools to make the right choices for themselves and societies around the world.

The tests being distributed are FDA-authorized antigen tests that could give results within about 15 minutes. They can identify present infections with all the presently recognized strain of COVID-19 including the XEC. The tests should be employed when having flu like symptoms, just before going to a big event or meeting, or after one has been in close proximity with someone with COVID-19.

Besides the free tests, the administration is about to increase distribution of the new COVID-19 vaccines that will be out in the market later this month. It appears new shots have property of targeting the Omicron subvariants including the XEC that are in circulation. The CDC adds that everyone who can should get the updated vaccine to enhance the level of protection against severe infection and hospitalization.

The return of free testing comes as many Americans continue to take less precautions against COVID-19. The rate of people wearing masks has reduced, and people still continue to engage in activities they were doing before Covid-19 took root. But health officials say that the virus remains a threat and has potential to cause harm especially among at-risk populations.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the CDC, stated: ‘’We have made a lot of strides but COVID-19 remains with us.’’ These free tests, together with new vaccines, and measures to remain cautious are the components to maintaining our health and that of our society.”

The administration intends to give away up to 200 million more free tests in the coming months. They are also coordinating with pharmacies, community health centres and other stakeholders with the view of ensuring that people who may not be able to order using the online portal can get the tests.

This layer of protection will consist of the XEC variant, and as people begin preparing for the fall, there is discussion of a possible second wave; however, the health officials are stressing on the layered approach. These are vaccination, getting a test when necessary, enhancing cleaning and air flow in indoors spaces, as well as avoiding going out when one is feeling unwell.

The restart of the free testing program proves the difficulties which are still present even despite the return of many Elders to their normal daily routines. In fact, the marker remains as a point that there is still no end to the pandemic, and more actions should be taken to improve people’s health and avoid subsequent waves of infection.