The federal government is again distributing COVID-19 testing kits as the year-end holiday season approaches, starting with the Thanksgiving holiday.
The federal government announced on November 20 that it is distributing free self-test kits to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections.
Households who want a COVID-19 self-test kit can request one by mail by visiting www.covid.gov/tests. Both the test kits and shipping are free, and up to four kits can be ordered per household at the time of application. Those who need more can reapply to receive an additional four.
The federal government has warned that the holiday season, which coincides with the winter flu season, can bring people together in large numbers, potentially leading to a resurgence of the COVID-19.
The average cost of an at-home COVID-19 self-test kit is $11, according to an analysis by the nonprofit KFF.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, 1,539,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March 2020.
Meanwhile, Korean Americans who want to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 can take advantage of a free vaccination event at the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles on December 11. The new COVID-19 vaccine (XBB1.5) is available for people 6 months of age and older and for those who have been vaccinated more than 2 months since their last vaccination.
BY NICOLE CHANG, JUNHAN PARK [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]
