U.S. is Ending Free At-Home COVID Test Program Soon

Ever since the start of the global pandemic in 2020, policies and procedures have been fluid and changing frequently.

Former Mask Signage in Disney World

For example, the face mask policy at both Disney World and Disneyland has changed multiple times. It started as masks being required everywhere, then they were only required indoors, then only on transportation, and now they’re no longer required on any transportation. With things seemingly always changing, another COVID-19 program recently announced the end of its services.

At the beginning of this year, President Biden passed legislation that would make at-home COVID-19 tests available online for all Americans. Beginning in January, Americans were able to go online and order four free COVID-19 tests. This was expanded multiple times to allow homes to order more and more, but now, this program is coming to an end.

©New York Times

The site will not be accepting any new orders past this Friday, September 2nd. The website currently has a message that says “Ordering through this program will be suspended on Friday, September 2 because Congress hasn’t provided additional funding to replenish the nation’s stockpile of tests.”

COVID-19 health and safety signage in Disney World

So, if you want to order more free at-home COVID-19 tests, you must do so before this Friday, otherwise, you won’t be able to get more.

In other COVID-19 news, Disney Cruise Line has just updated its policies so it is no longer requiring vaccinated passengers to test for COVID-19 prior to boarding. This will take effect beginning on September 23rd for the Disney Dream, Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder. It goes into effect on November 7th for Disney Magic. Royal Caribbean also relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions further and will begin accepting negative at-home, self-administered tests in place of medical ones on September 5th.