Warning that COVID-19 caseloads are poised to climb this winter, President Biden stated Thursday that “we must be prepared” as he introduced his plan for limiting the unfold of an infection.
Including urgency to his efforts is the arrival of the Omicron variant, which was first reported in South Africa final week. Though scientists are nonetheless finding out the variant, the World Well being Group has warned that the chance of recent international outbreaks is “very excessive.”
Biden stated public well being officers imagine present vaccines nonetheless present safety towards the mutated model of the coronavirus.
“When you’re fearful in regards to the Omicron variant, the very best factor to do is get absolutely vaccinated, after which get your booster shot while you’re eligible,” he stated. “We don’t but imagine that further measures shall be wanted.”
Below Biden’s new plan, pharmacies will begin reaching out to an estimated 100 million People who’re eligible for booster photographs however haven’t but obtained them.
His administration may even require insurance coverage firms to reimburse folks for the acquisition of dwelling assessments. As well as, 50 million dwelling assessments are slated for distribution to group well being facilities and rural clinics, the place folks with out insurance coverage can entry them free of charge.
Biden stated he hopes the struggle towards the coronavirus will “unite us.”
“I do know COVID-19 has been very divisive on this nation,” he stated. “It’s develop into a political situation, which is a tragic, unhappy commentary. It shouldn’t be, but it surely has been.”