White House: Americans have requested 60 million COVID tests, 'tens of millions' out the door

The White House this week claimed that Americans have ordered around 60 million COVID tests from the federal government, with a significant number of those already having been shipped to those who have ordered them.

"Since COVIDtests.gov launched formally last week, approximately 60 million households have placed orders for their free tests," White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters this week. 

"Already, tens of millions of tests have gone out the door, and households around the country are already receiving tests so that people have tests on hand if need arises," she added.

Jean-Pierre also noted that the White House has shipped out "tens of millions" of N95 masks nationwide since making them available via request. 

The news comes as the current Omicron surge of COVID-19 appears to have peaked in the U.S. 

Daily average cases began declining markedly about mid-January and have continued on a steep downward trajectory since then.