Biden Announces Winter Coronavirus Plan with Free At-home Tests, New Travel Protocols
Dec. 2—With winter approaching and coronavirus cases increasing nationwide, President Biden announced a plan of attack against the virus that includes free at-home tests, updated international travel protocols and surge teams to support short-staffed hospitals.
"My plan I'm announcing today pulls no punches in the fight against COVID. It is a plan that I think should unite us," said Biden, who joked that he has spent more time with Dr. Anthony Fauci lately than with his wife.
He announced a series of new measures Thursday to help combat the virus and the threat of the omicron variant in the coming weeks and months.
Soon, Americans with private insurance will be able to get free at-home coronavirus rapid tests through reimbursement, and those without insurance will be able to get the tests for free at health centers and other community sites.
"The bottom line this winter, you'll be able to test for free in the comfort of your own home and have some peace of mind," Biden said.
Biden also announced updates to international travel protocols. Starting early next week, all inbound international travelers will have to test negative for coronavirus within one day before departure, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. The previous rule was three days prior to departure.
Some states with high coronavirus rates are struggling with overburdened hospitals due to high patient volume and low staffing levels.
Biden announced he will make at least 60 coronavirus surge response teams available to states who need it, which include teams of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention members, monoclonal antibody treatment crews and other experts to work in clinical settings.
This winter, the country has many more tools to fight coronavirus than in the past with vaccination, boosters, vaccines for kids and promising treatments such as oral antivirals that reduce hospitalization.
As such treatments are approved and become available, Biden said the administration is securing 13 million doses of antiviral medicines to be sure there is enough supply for those who need it.
The emerging omicron variant, which is now officially in the United States, could present new challenges this winter, according to Biden. The strain was first detected in South Africa, highlighting the need for a global response to the pandemic.
The United States will donate 1.2 billion vaccine doses to other countries and is ramping up supply chain capacity as well.
Biden continued to ask Americans to get vaccinated against coronavirus and to get a booster shot, and said expanded pharmacy hours and family vaccine sites will become available to make getting the shot easier than ever.
The United States is currently tallying an average of about 80,000 new coronavirus per day, up from around 70,000 just one month ago. About 60% of the nation's population is fully vaccinated.
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