Covid-19 Test Distribution Plans Put More Pressure on U.S. Supply

The Biden administration’s plan to buy and distribute 1 billion rapid Covid-19 tests is sending manufacturers and distributors racing to boost tight nationwide supplies.

Rapid, at-home tests have been in short supply in recent weeks as holiday gatherings and the Omicron surge supercharged demand. Businesses, officials and people across the country were already competing for limited tests before the administration set plans to buy 1 billion more.