Coronavirus Watch: How to get more free COVID tests

Rachel Aretakis, USA TODAY
·1 min read
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You can now order more free COVID tests from the federal government.

The White House is stepping up prevention efforts to help control COVID-19 cases this winter ahead of an expected surge. The plans include four more free tests per household, mobile vaccination sites, and more support to nursing homes. Read more about the plans here.

How to order at-home tests: Visit COVIDTests.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) between 8 a.m.-midnight Eastern time any day of the week.

It's Monday, and this is the Coronavirus Watch from the USA TODAY Network. Here's what you need to know:

  • Long COVID report: More than 3,500 people have died from long COVID in the U.S., accounting for about 0.3% of all coronavirus deaths, a CDC report found. While the tally is likely an undercount, health experts say it marks the first official report looking at long COVID mortality. Read more here.

  • COVID cases are likely to explode in China now that the country has lifted its zero-COVID policy. A raging epidemic there could be bad news for controlling the virus in the U.S., experts say. Find out more here.

A note about next week: Given the holiday, we'll be sending this newsletter on Tuesday instead. In the meantime, here are some quick tips for a healthy holiday, from the experts:

  • Mask up on public transportation

  • Stay home if you're feeling sick

  • Get tested if you're seeing someone who is vulnerable to severe disease

  • Get vaccinated (this remains the single most important way to protect yourself against respiratory infections like the flu and COVID-19, experts say)

— Rachel Aretakis, health editor

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus Watch: How to get more free COVID tests