New federal and state measures announced to combat the spread of COVID-19
On Jan. 18, the Biden administration launched its website, COVIDTests.gov, which will provide four free at-home tests to every household in America that wants them. This testing initiative comes in the wake of rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases as a result of the omicron variant, which has been accompanied by a shortage of at-home tests and longer wait lines at testing sites.
Households should expect tests to ship within 7-12 days of ordering. Along with that, private insurance companies are now covering the cost of up to eight rapid tests per month. This will allow Americans to be reimbursed for tests purchased at pharmacies and online retailers.
Along with recent testing initiatives, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) will now offer KN95 and surgical grade masks at libraries and other community sites across the state. For a list of distribution centers, click here.
Increasing vaccination plays a significant role in combating both the spread of COVID-19 and the risk of contracting it with potentially dangerous complications. Vaccination also helps prevent the development of new and more dangerous COVID-19 variants that could continue to impact us all. There are a variety of ways to seek out a COVID-19 vaccination appointment for both you and your children. Resources to help you find a COVID-19 vaccine for your child are listed below:
- Pediatric clinics across the state are now offering the vaccine to children ages 5 and older. Find upcoming clinics for kids here.
- Some retail pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, are now taking pediatric vaccination appointments. Find a pharmacy appointment near you here.
- Since Nov. 6, all mobile vaccination clinics offer vaccines for children 5-11. Find an appointment at a mobile vaccination clinic near you here.
- Dozens of county providers now take appointments for children 5-11. Find the updated list of providers and their contact information for scheduling here.
