Biden pledges support to US states as COVID infections spike

US president warns Omicron-linked surge in cases could strain hospitals, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. President Joe Biden has pledged his government’s support to states grappling with a surge in coronavirus infections as the highly contagious Omicron variant continues to spread across the United States. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with governors on Monday, Biden warned that rising cases could overwhelm some hospitals, particularly in areas where a high proportion of people are not vaccinated. “Omicron is a source of concern, but it should not be a source of panic,” he said. “We’re prepared and we know what it takes to save lives, protect people and keep schools and businesses open. We just have to stay focused and continue to work together.” Biden added that his message to state leaders was simple: “If you need something, say something and we are going to have your back any way we can.” US health officials said last week that the Omicron variant had become the dominant strain in the country, accounting for a majority of new infections, as state and local leaders mulled reinstating restrictions to stem its spread.

Many have also renewed calls for people to get COVID-19 jabs, including booster shots, while Biden promised to distribute 500 million free, at-home coronavirus tests starting in January, among other measures aimed at combatting Omicron.

But with many Americans travelling and gathering with family and friends over the holidays, “the fear is that this will get worse before it gets better”, Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett said, reporting from Washington, DC. Source: aljazeera.com