Biden pivots to home testing to curb surge
Fighting the omicron variant surging through the country, President Biden announced Tuesday that the government would provide 500 million free rapid tests, increase support for hospitals under strain and redouble vaccination and boosting efforts.
At the White House on Tuesday, Biden detailed major changes to his COVID-19 winter plan, his hand forced by the arrival of the fast-spreading variant, whose properties are not yet fully understood by scientists. Yet his message was clear that the winter holidays could be close to normal for the vaccinated while potentially dangerous for the unvaccinated.
His pleas are not political, he emphasized. He noted that former President Donald Trump has gotten his booster shot, and he said it’s Americans’ “patriotic duty” to get vaccinated.
“It’s the only responsible thing to do,” the president said. “Omicron is serious and potentially deadly business for unvaccinated people.”
Biden chastised social media and people on cable TV who have made misleading statements to discourage people from getting vaccinated.
The outbreak from this latest strain of the coronavirus has required the federal government to get more aggressive in addressing the likely wave of infections, but Biden promised a weary nation that there would not be a mass lockdown of schools or businesses.
A cornerstone of the plan is Biden’s decision for the government to purchase 500 million coronavirus rapid tests for free shipment to Americans starting in January. People will use a new website to order their tests, which will then be sent by U.S. mail at no charge, the White House said.
ILLINOIS Chicago’s new rules on indoor venues
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday the nation’s third-largest city will require proof of coronavirus vaccination at restaurants, bars, gyms and other indoor venues, as the rapidly spreading omicron variant drives a spike in coronavirus infections.
Lightfoot said the requirement will take effect Jan. 3, and will apply to places where food and beverages are served — including sport and entertainment venues — and to fitness centers. It doesn’t apply to people getting takeout, or who stay in a business for 10 minutes or less.
NEW YORK DeBlasio says, ‘No more shutdowns’
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he’s committed to keeping the city open as it grapples with a huge spike in coronavirus cases. The Democrat said Tuesday that New York can’t see schools and businesses close again like they did when COVID-19 first hit the city in 2020.
De Blasio said the city is ramping up testing but the biggest tool to fight the pandemic remains vaccinations.
De Blasio announced the city would begin offering a $100 cash incentive to New Yorkers who get a booster shot starting Tuesday and going through the end of the year.
ISRAEL Another booster shot recommended
A government advisory panel of health experts has recommended that Israel begin administering a fourth shot of the coronavirus vaccine to protect against the fast-spreading omicron variant. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett praised Tuesday’s decision and said he had already instructed health officials to begin preparations. The campaign is to begin with people over 60 and health care workers. But based on past vaccination efforts, it could quickly include other segments of the population.
Israel was one of the first countries to vaccinate its population early this year and then carried out the world’s first booster campaign over the summer.
BRITAIN $1.3 billion in aid to businesses
Britain announced $1.3 billion in grants and other aid to help the hospitality industry
survive the onslaught of the omicron variant, bowing to days of pressure from pubs, restaurants and other businesses that complain public health warnings have torpedoed the vital Christmas season. Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors will be eligible for one-time grants of up to $7,954 each. An additional $133 million will be given to local governments to support businesses in their areas hit by the sudden spike in infections.
THAILAND Quarantine reimposed
Thailand on Tuesday decided to reimpose a mandatory quarantine for visitors and suspend a “test-and-go” scheme for fully vaccinated arrivals as concerns grow over the spread of the omicron variant, the government said. The decision is a blow to efforts to revive the battered tourism sector ahead of the peak holiday season.