US President Joe Biden announced that 500 million rapid (antigen) Covid tests will be distributed to the public free of charge as part of the new measures taken to combat the Omicron variant, which has become dominant in the country.
In his televised speech on Tuesday, Biden announced that military support would also be given to hospitals where there was congestion, but he said that there is no need to impose curfews yet.
Biden said, “We are not in March 2020. We are ready. We know more” and added:
“We should be worried about the Omicron, but not panic.”
The Omicron variant of the coronavirus became the dominant variant less than a month after the first case was seen in the country. It accounts for about three-quarters of all new cases in the country.
Until a week ago, Delta, the dominant variant, accounted for 87 percent of new cases. Omicron’s rate of new cases was only 12.6 percent.
Despite the fact that 73% of adults in the country are fully vaccinated against Covid, the White House is concerned about those who have not been vaccinated.
Biden also called on the public to be vaccinated.
Acknowledging that some vaccinated Americans will also become infected, Biden stressed that those who are not vaccinated are at “significantly higher risk of hospitalization or even death.”
“If you’re not fully vaccinated, you have reason to be concerned,” Biden said.
This statement coincides with a period when it is thought that the first death from Omicron occurred in the country. It was reported that the 50-year-old person living in the state of Texas was unvaccinated and had underlying health problems.
Explaining that Christmas gatherings will not be blocked, Biden said, “I know some of you are wondering if you can safely celebrate the holiday with family and friends. The answer is ‘Yes’, if you and the people you celebrate with have been vaccinated, especially if you’ve had the reminder vaccination.”
The new measures announced by Biden are as follows:
500 million home-administered rapid tests (antigens) will be purchased and delivered free of charge to all Americans who request it, beginning in January. The kits currently sell for between $7 and $15 and are out of stock in some areas.
In the next two months, 1,000 military medical personnel will be deployed in hospitals across the country. That’s five times the current number.
Test sites will be created across the country, with the first in New York City.
- The capacities of hospitals will be expanded and critical supplies will be distributed.
Long test queues in places including New York and Washington have caused concern in the country as more people want to be tested before meeting their families at Christmas.
In New York City, where cases rose 60% last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio promised a $100 reward to anyone who gets the reminder vaccine by the end of the month.