Here’s What Biden’s Covid Winter Plan Means For Americans
Topline
President Joe Biden outlined new federal initiatives to fight the coronavirus pandemic Thursday, together with encouraging booster pictures, opening tons of of household vaccination clinics and making at-home testing kits free, a day after the primary U.S. case of the omicron variant was detected in California.
President Joe Biden speaks concerning the federal response to Covid-19 and the omicron variant on the … [+]
AFP through Getty Photos
Key Details
Talking on the Nationwide Institutes of Well being in Bethesda, Maryland, on Thursday afternoon, Biden stated the nation is “higher positioned” than it was a yr in the past to combat Covid-19 because the winter season approaches.
The measures introduced Thursday embody an outreach marketing campaign to encourage 100 million eligible Individuals to get booster jabs, and Medicaid protection for the price of vaccine counseling classes for households.
Whereas federal workers are already given paid day without work to get booster pictures, Biden referred to as on employers throughout the nation to do the identical in the event that they don’t already.
The White Home will increase entry to free at-home Covid testing, permitting for the greater than 150 million Individuals with non-public insurance coverage to have the assessments reimbursed by their suppliers and distributing at-home assessments to these with out non-public insurance coverage by “key neighborhood websites.”
Along with controversial journey restrictions on southern African countries beforehand introduced in response to the emergence of omicron, the White Home confirmed reports that it’s going to “tighten” pre-departure testing protocols starting subsequent week for all inbound vacationers no matter nationality or vaccination standing, requiring them to take a Covid take a look at inside in the future of departure as a substitute of three, as per present guidelines.
It confirmed that masks mandates on planes, trains and public transportation might be prolonged by a minimum of March 18.
Thursday’s announcement additionally contains steps to focus on kids for vaccinations and seniors for boosters.
Tangent
Biden formally announced the brand new measures on the NIH simply hours after a second omicron case was detected within the U.S., a Minnesota resident who had lately traveled to New York Metropolis.
Huge Quantity
24. That’s a minimum of what number of international locations have recognized omicron circumstances as of Wednesday.
Key Background
Earlier this week Biden described the emergence of the omicron variant as a “trigger for concern, not a trigger for panic” and stated there was no quick want for brand spanking new lockdowns. He inspired Individuals to start out carrying face masks indoors once more after the CDC eased its suggestions for totally vaccinated individuals earlier this yr. There are nonetheless an excessive amount of unknowns concerning the omicron variant, together with whether or not or not it’s extra transmissible than different strains or causes worse signs. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the Nationwide Institute of Allergy and Infectious Ailments, informed Biden throughout a dialogue Sunday that it might take two weeks earlier than there can be extra “definitive data” on omicron.
Additional Studying
“Biden Administration To Increase Vaccine Schooling For Medicare, Medicaid As Omicron Hits U.S.” (Forbes)
“‘We need to be ready’ — Biden unveils COVID-19 plan as Omicron arrives ahead of winter” (Los Angeles Occasions)
“‘We are pulling out all the stops’: White House details strategies to combat delta, omicron variants” (Washington Publish)
“Biden launching winter COVID-19 booster, testing campaign” (Related Press)
“U.S. tightens travel testing requirements, mask mandates as part of broader plan to fight Covid” (CNBC)
“Biden will outline new steps to combat Covid through winter months” (CNN)
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