Free COVID-19 tests will be available from the government once again starting at the end of September.

U.S. households will be able to order four free tests that expire at the end of the year from COVIDTests.gov. The tests will be able to detect current COVID-19 variants.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, the most prevalent variant going around nationally is the K.P. 3.1.1 variant of the virus, making up almost 37% of all new cases as of Aug. 17.

The website is currently closed, but the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response said on its website it sent out more than 900 million free tests while it was open.

In Delaware, there were over 480 new cases of COVID-19 from Aug. 11-17, according to data from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. The number of new cases has decreased over the past month after an increase from early to mid-July. 

The FDA approved new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for emergency use on Aug. 22. These vaccines have a new formula for newer and more prevalent variants of the virus.

More on the new vaccines: COVID-19 vaccines are updated and ready for fall, FDA says

“Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention,” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research in a press release.

“These updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. Given waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and from prior vaccination, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants.”

A Newark woman is a big winner after claiming a $150,000 prize after playing the Platinum Payout Bucks Blowout scratch-off game.

The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, purchased the winning ticket at Boyd’s Corner Liquors in Middletown, according to the Delaware Lottery. She claimed her prize July 31.

According to a news release, the winner said that the most she had won previously playing the lottery was $1,000.

Three top prizes of $100,000 still remain for Instant Game $100K along with two $150,000 top prizes for Delaware Lottery’s $20 Cashnado scratch-off game, according to the lottery.

Are you a winner?: $4 million Mega Millions winning lottery ticket sold in Delaware

Check your tickets: Powerball ticket worth $100,000 sold in Delaware. Check the numbers to see if you won

How long do I have to claim my prize?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com. 

How can I claim my prize? 

First things first, sign the back of your ticket using an ink pen to identify yourself as the ticket owner. Once signed, ownership of a ticket cannot be changed or transferred, according to the Delaware Lottery. 

A prize worth $5,001 or more can be claimed at the Delaware Lottery Office on business days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must bring a photo ID with your name and address and a Social Security card. 

All winning Powerball, Mega Millions and Lotto America tickets must be redeemed in the state and jurisdiction where they were sold. 

The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District named an interim superintendent after reaching a separation agreement at a recent school board meeting. 

Dr. Jim Scalon was named acting Superintendent Thursday after an 8-to-1 board vote to approve a separation agreement with Superintendent Wagner Marseille. 

“I was happy with the separation,” Tricia Malaczewski, a parent, told FOX 29. “I just think it will let the school year start on a more positive light, maybe the negotiations for the contract will get settled a little more quickly for the teachers who we all support in the community.” 

Alicia Styer, the wife of a Wallingford-Swarthmore teacher and mother to two students, was vocal about her concerns at recent school board meetings. 

“It was just more of a negative tone coming from the top and it just kind of trickled down and it just was, you know, losing the sense of morale,” she said. “I think it was time for a change.” 

As part of the separation agreement, Marseille will receive a lump sum of $300k and an additional $30k contribution to his retirement account. Dr. Scalon, meanwhile, was approved by the school board to receive a per diem fee of $1,540 for his services. 

“I am committed to leading collaboratively and communicatively, with respect for the district’s many voices and unique strengths,” Dr Scalon said. “We will work together, and make this a great school year.”

The first day of school in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is on Monday.