‘We need to be ready’ — Biden unveils COVID-19 plan as Omicron arrives ahead of winter
Warning that COVID-19 caseloads are poised to climb this winter, President Biden said Thursday that “we need to be ready” as he announced his plan for limiting the spread of infection.
Adding urgency to his efforts is the arrival of the Omicron variant, which was first reported in South Africa last week. Although scientists are still studying the variant, the World Health Organization has warned that the risk of new global outbreaks is “very high.”
President Biden announces new measures as scientists try to determine how dangerous the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 will be.
Biden said public health officials believe current vaccines still provide protection against the mutated version of the coronavirus.
“If you’re worried about the Omicron variant, the best thing to do is get fully vaccinated, and then get your booster shot when you’re eligible,” he said. “We don’t yet believe that additional measures will be needed.”
Under Biden’s new plan, pharmacies will start reaching out to an estimated 100 million Americans who are eligible for booster shots but have not yet received them.
A UC San Francisco lab that analyzes coronavirus test results is a big reason behind the quick identification of the Omicron variant in California.
His administration will also require insurance companies to reimburse people for the purchase of home tests. In addition, 50 million home tests are slated for distribution to community health centers and rural clinics, where people without insurance can access them for free.
Biden said he hopes the fight against the coronavirus will “unite us.”
“I know COVID-19 has been very divisive in this country,” he said. “It’s become a political issue, which is a sad, sad commentary. It shouldn’t be, but it has been.”
As a reminder of the political turmoil, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel swiftly criticized Biden after he finished speaking.
“The White House has lost all credibility and trust from the American people,” she said in a statement. “More mandates, restrictions, and fearmongering will not offset the empty words and broken promises from Biden’s failed administration.”
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
