CLEVELAND — Free COVID-19 tests, a slight pause in where to find the vaccine, and an update on the number of cases in Ohio. 3News Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins sorts out the latest on all things coronavirus:
- Just when you thought you'd have to buy them, the government says they're picking up the tab on free COVID tests to get us through cold and flu season.
Beginning Sept. 25, you can go to covidtest.gov and order four free tests per household. They will detect the current circulating variants and are intended for use to the end of this year.
But some may last longer, you can go to the FDA COVID test database and find out if any leftovers have extended expiration dates.
- The updated COVID booster shot is still rolling out, and not every pharmacy is stocked, so call ahead to check yours. Check your insurance, too. I'm told some insurance companies have been slow to update that they'll pay for the shot. This should work itself out hopefully by the end of this week. The booster is recommended for everyone six months and older.
- Finally, the Ohio Department of Health COVID database showed a slight drop in cases for the week, but an uptick in hospitalizations and deaths. However, it's still far below pandemic levels.