Have you had a runny nose lately and wonder if it’s COVID-19? Thinking about a holiday gathering but worried about your aging parents being there? As schools opened, much of the country experienced increased COVID-19 infections and deaths. School-age children, without pandemic-related restrictions, are also suffering infections and death.

Epidemiologists say widespread rapid-test screening — along with vaccination and mask-wearing — is critical to controlling the delta variant’s spread. Yet shortages and high prices mean routine rapid home-testing remains out of reach for most Americans. In the U.S., at-home rapid tests costs up to $38.99, if you can find them.

Not so in European countries such as Britain, France and Germany, where universal health care and affordable rapid testing is widespread.

In Germany, grocery stores are selling rapid COVID-19 tests for under $1 per test. The United Kingdom provides 14 tests per person free of charge. Canada is doling out free rapid tests to businesses. These countries also have universal health care and subsidize these tests for their populations. Interestingly, they have also had proportionately fewer COVID-19 infections and deaths than the U.S.

Because of affordability, Europeans, who may have a COVID-19 vulnerable family member, are able to leave a basket of rapid home tests outside their door for friends coming to visit before they enter their homes.

The shortage of affordable home rapid tests may be contributing to the virus’ spread. Why does the richest country in the world lack affordable and easily available home rapid tests?

Jan Phillips

Durango