From testing to treatment - Official website set up to find COVID info

The demand for at-home COVID-19 testing kits is still high, and it’s not always easy to find them. Though some drug stores have a supply, don’t expect it to last.

There have been millions of recalls for faulty test kits, and even worse is the proliferation of fake and overpriced tests. Even legitimate tests are being sold at a premium, and there’s no reason you should be paying ridiculous prices. Tap or click here for tips on spotting a fraudulent test kit.

From the better late than never department, the government just introduced a new website in response to the ongoing pandemic. It’s about two years too late, but we’ll break down some of the available resources you’ll find there.

A one-stop-shop of sorts

Need a mask? Need to find the nearest testing center? Did you know there are antiviral medications available to slow down the virus’ spread in your body?

You’ll find information on all that and more at COVID.gov. Start there and you’ll find links for more information and other government sites that’ll have what you’re looking for.

Mask up

Depending on where you live, you may not need to wear a mask anymore unless you’re in a hospital or similar situation. You’ll still need to wear one if you want to fly, and it’s a good idea to keep one on you just in case you need it.

COVID.gov links to a CDC page where you can learn about the different types of masks and their effectiveness. If you need an N95 respirator, there’s a link to find one for free.

Vaccines

Whether you’re on your first, second or booster, the link to vaccines.gov/search makes it easy to find a vaccine location. Put in your ZIP code and select the type of vaccine you’re looking for.

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Places you're most likely to get COVID - and a way to score free N95 masks

The COVID omicron variant is still spreading. California and Texas are hardest hit, accounting for 11.4 million of the total 74 million cases. Looking for free COVID tests? Avoid these fraudulent sites.

The number of vaccines administered is also rising, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch COVID. Being vaccinated only lowers the severity of the infection if you do happen to catch it.

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Li’l helpers under $10

Sorry, you’re going to want them all.

  • Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray ($10) is a water-based, perfume-free stain remover. Small enough to fit in your bag for on-the-go ketchup and blueberry stains. 
  • Mesh bags are perfect for organizing chargers, plugs, screws, bolts, batteries, pens … I could go on. A six-pack is only $9.
  • Get a three-pack of light-blocking sleep masks and put one in your carry-on, one in your suitcase and one by your bed. They’re 20% off right now ($7.99).
  • If you’re like me, you have a plethora of USB-A plugs kicking around your house … and some USB-C cords. Fix that with these USB-A-to-USB-C adapters, four for $5.99.
  • Headaches, muscle aches, pains, cramps, bad days — there’s not much a hot water bottle can’t fix. This one is easy to fill, comes with a cozy cover and is just $7.99.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Yesterday's Supreme Court ruling on social media

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The Supreme Court made a surprising decision on a social media censorship case involving Missouri and Louisiana. Find out why their lawsuit didn’t go as planned.

I see fake people: Celebs like Victoria Beckham, Margot Robbie and Kate Moss are endorsing $660 LED beauty masks. The light rays supposedly stimulate collagen production and blood circulation to make your skin look younger and firmer. Research shows they can’t even reach the dermis, which is the second layer of skin where regeneration takes place.

Delta variant: Track the spread of contagious new strain with this map

Tech has a prominent role in much of our daily lives, which became apparent during the pandemic. We used the internet to order essentials, work and communicate via video chat. We also learned through virtual classrooms and more.

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Scientists say these foods could help fight COVID-19 infection

We’re a few days into 2021 and the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging on. Vaccines have started rolling out to healthcare and frontline workers, but it will likely be a few months, if not more before it’s available to the general public.

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COVID-19 virus tracking apps are here - are they safe to download?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our daily lives, many of us have already gotten used to the constant disruption. Athletic events are irregularly scheduled, many stores continue to require masks and millions of Americans are still working from home nearly 6 months after the virus first arrived in America.

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Hoax spreading now: This fake CDC message goes after masks

Mask-wearing has become a surprisingly controversial subject. Between disputes on their effectiveness and debates on the ethics of mandatory mask orders, there’s no shortage of noise on the topic to confuse anyone looking for good information.

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Disney World reopens and you have to see its creepy welcome back video

In Florida, COVID-19 cases continue to surge: over 15,000 new cases were reported Sunday, a single-day record, and 12,000 more cases were reported Monday, bringing the state’s total to over 282,000 cases. Amidst all this, Disney World has reopened this past Saturday.

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Hitting the road? Check this COVID-19 road restriction map

All 50 U.S. states have begun the process of reopening, but that doesn’t mean that things will be completely “back to normal” in short order. Social distancing and public health measures are still being enforced by businesses and local authorities, which means the world we’re about to reenter will look quite different from how things were in the past.

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Workplace of the future: 4 ways offices will change post COVID-19

As we roll into summer, good news is starting to emerge from the fog of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states are on the verge of reopening their economies, which means business as usual is about to resume.

Or is it? The pandemic proved that a highly contagious virus is all it takes to devastate peoples’ health and livelihoods. To prevent this from happening again, some of the measures society has taken will likely remain. At least for the time being. Tap or click here to see the proven methods to protect yourself from the coronavirus.

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Coronavirus safety: Comparing N95, surgical masks, respirators, cloth masks

For weeks, we’ve heard conflicting information on whether we should wear masks in public. Of course, anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 should stay home and wear a mask to protect those who are not ill. Caregivers for anyone with COVID-19 should also wear a mask. But what about everyone else?

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How to clean clothes, gloves and coronavirus masks (Hint: Avoid the microwave)

One thing has become evident during the COVID-19 pandemic: People are desperately searching for information. Whether it’s about symptoms, where to buy essentials or how to protect oneself from contracting the virus, knowledge is in high demand.

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Coronavirus: Prices are skyrocketing online - here's how to shop smart

Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, health and government officials have urged against panic buying. Hoarding items can make it difficult for others to access basic necessities and can even harm healthcare workers who need protections like masks and hand sanitizers.

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