Testing lots of Americans, and testing them often, would require billions of tests. The country would need to increase production. The United States would also need to pay for them. But even if it cost tens of billions of dollars, it might generate far more than that in productivity. The economic losses during the pandemic are in the trillions of dollars.

Free tests for all would also allow far more people to more safely live a normal life. If done correctly, widespread testing could also avoid the polarizing fights over vaccination and masking. At-home testing has not yet been politicized, as these other measures have been.

In Britain, tests are available to many people through work and schools. If you can’t get them there, you can order them from the National Health Service. You can regularly get a pack of several tests delivered to your home free of charge. Germany paused free antigen testing for unvaccinated people a few months ago, in part because it thought this might spur more to vaccinate, but reinstated it recently because of surges. Residents can get at least one free rapid test a week. In many other European countries they are available for just a few dollars.