CDC recommends self-COVID tests before attending large holiday gatherings

BOSTON — If you’re planning on going to holiday parties and gatherings, the CDC is now recommending you take a self-covid test at home before going, regardless of your vaccination status. The CDC also recommends testing even if you don’t have symptoms and haven’t been exposed. It’s an effort to slow the spread of the omicron variant.

This comes as the Biden administration announced a plan for free at-home testing. Details of the program are still being worked out, but the administration announced private health insurers would be required to reimburse people for taking the tests. People would have to pay for the test upfront, and then submit their receipt to their health insurance company.

One concern is that insurance companies may limit the cost and the number of tests one person can have. But a local epidemiologist we talked to is still encouraging people to test themselves, as covid cases are climbing back up.

“We may end up in a scenario where, really, vaccinated people are able to spread the variant almost as easily as unvaccinated people,” said Dr. Stephen Kissler, with the Harvard School of Public Health. “Unfortunately, just in time for the new year, it’s likely that we’re going to see quite a bit of omicron spreading.”

The Biden administration says it will release more details on January 15 when the program will take effect. That means if you’re buying a test now, you may not get reimbursed, as there are reports reimbursements won’t be retroactive.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete Covid-19 vaccine coverage

RESOURCES:

- Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV

©2021 Cox Media Group