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The decline in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths brings hope for a brighter future. However, this hope is dampened by the expiration of policies that were initially deemed temporary yet played a crucial role in saving lives and reducing poverty during the pandemic.
An example of this is the availability of free coronavirus tests. Since the public health emergency has ended, free tests have become scarce. This poses a significant cost burden on families, especially when coupled with the lack of other health and economic support systems.
Families who need to travel long distances for free tests also face challenges in arranging childcare. This is particularly difficult for families already struggling with a shortage of childcare providers, and the situation will worsen when federal child-care funds expire, potentially leading to the closure of 70,000 child-care centers nationwide.
Moreover, individuals without paid leave, including many low-wage workers who are predominantly people of color, face the risk of losing income if they seek free tests or cannot take time off work to care for themselves or their loved ones.
Front-line workers who cannot work remotely and lack access to paid leave or child care face an even greater risk of contracting and spreading the virus if they are unable to get tested.
While viruses may come and go, our nation’s commitment to better health and economic opportunity must remain steadfast. By prioritizing families and children in our policy agenda, we can work towards making affordable healthcare, accessible child care, and expanded paid leave permanent for everyone.
Jennifer Ng’andu
Managing Director, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Trenton, N.J.
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We recognize that many people are weary of thinking about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the virus continues to have severe consequences, including hundreds of deaths and thousands of hospitalizations each week in the United States.
Coronavirus tests play a vital role in preventing the spread of the disease and mitigating its impact. Despite the expiration of the national public health emergency, our respective health departments are committed to providing free tests to those who need them but cannot afford them.
In the Southern Nevada Health District, which serves Las Vegas and surrounding areas in Clark County, residents have access to five free tests per month through vending machines located throughout the county. These machines have distributed over 23,000 free tests since last year. Additionally, we have provided nearly 100,000 free tests to community partners who assist individuals with disabilities or experiencing homelessness in accessing and affording tests.
Mecklenburg County’s Covid Response Unit has similarly distributed 120,000 free tests in Charlotte and neighboring communities, with over 14,000 tests given out last month alone. We will continue these programs as long as our supplies allow.
Although Las Vegas and Charlotte may be thousands of miles apart, our shared commitment to public health knows no bounds. We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of income or neighborhood, deserves the opportunity for good health.
Raynard Washington
Health Officer, Southern Nevada Health District
Charlotte
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We understand that many people are eager to move past the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the virus continues to take a toll, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of hospitalizations each week in the United States.
Coronavirus tests are a crucial tool in combatting the spread of the disease. Despite the expiration of the national public health emergency, our health departments remain dedicated to providing free tests to those who require them but cannot afford them.
In the Southern Nevada Health District, which serves Las Vegas and other areas in Clark County, residents can access five free tests per month through conveniently located vending machines. These machines have dispensed over 23,000 free tests since last year. Additionally, we have distributed nearly 100,000 free tests to community partners who assist individuals with disabilities or facing homelessness, ensuring that they can receive the tests they need.
Mecklenburg County’s Covid Response Unit has distributed an impressive 120,000 free tests in Charlotte and surrounding communities. Last month alone, they provided over 14,000 tests. We are committed to maintaining these programs as long as our available inventory allows.
Although Las Vegas and Charlotte may be thousands of miles apart, our collective commitment to public health is unwavering. We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their income or neighborhood, should have access to good health.
Raynard Washington
Health Officer, Southern Nevada Health District
Charlotte
Director, Mecklenburg County Health Department
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