The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned users against purchasing fake Covid-19 tests online. The agency also issued guidelines on how to avoid the scam and potential misdiagnosis on using fake or fault tests. FTC asked consumers to ensure that the test is Food and Drug Administration-authorised and check the lists of approved antigen as well as molecular diagnostic tests for at-home usage. People are also requested to report fake sellers or tests to FTC.

The US Government is concluding contracts to procure 500 million rapid Covid-19 tests, which will be distributed for free of cost in the country. Reuters quoted spokeswoman Jen Psaki as saying that the Biden administration is in the process of finalising the deals. The website to be used for obtaining free tests will be active this month. The free test initiative was announced by President Joe Biden last month.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that individuals who intend to end the Covid-19 quarantine after five days can test themselves with a rapid antigen test but is not mandatory, Reuters reported. The news agency quoted CDC as saying: “If an individual has access to a test and wants to test, the best approach is to use an antigen test towards the end of the five-day isolation period.”