In order to cope with the omicron variant of the coronavirus that spreads throughout U.S, President Joe Biden announced that his government will distribute 500 million diagnostic tests at no cost, will increase support to hospitals whose operating capacity is at the limit, and will redouble its vaccination campaign and the application of booster doses.
From the White House, Biden detailed important changes to his winter plan against COVID-19, being forced by the arrival of the fast-spreading variant, of which scientists still do not fully know its properties.
However, his message made clear that vaccinated people could have Christmas holidays close to normal, while the winter season could be potentially dangerous for those who are not inoculated.
His statements, he emphasized, are not political. He stressed that former President Donald Trump has already received his booster dose, and assured that getting vaccinated is a “patriotic duty” of Americans.
“It is the most responsible thing we can do,” said the president. “(The variant) omicron is serious and life threatening for those who are not vaccinated.”
Biden lashed out at social media and pay TV presenters who have made misleading statements to discourage people from getting vaccinated.
The outbreak of this coronavirus mutation has forced the federal government to be more aggressive in addressing the potential wave of infections, but Biden promised the exhausted nation that there will be no large-scale closure of schools or businesses.
“I know they are tired, I know they are frustrated. We all want this to end. But we continue in this ”, he commented. “We also have more tools than before. We are ready and we will put this behind us. “
Scientists don’t yet know everything about the omicron variant, but they do know that the vaccine offers strong protection against serious illness or death. The mutation has spread at such an alarming rate that the federal government quickly stepped in to offer new diagnostic tests and additional help.
Biden’s plan is based on the decision that the government purchase 500 million rapid tests that will be distributed free of charge to the population from January. People will use a new website to order their tests, which would be mailed free of charge, the White House said.
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