US President Joe Biden on Tuesday told Americans that the country is more prepared now to face the surge in coronavirus cases. Biden's statement comes amid the raidly increasing cases of Omicron variant in the US. The new variant claimed first life in the US on Monday. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than any other coronavirus strains and has so far been present in dozens of countries in the world. The Omicron cases accounted for 73% of new cases registered last week, in America. This surge has led to fear among the Americans, ahead of the Christmas celebrations.
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1. The United States on Monday reported its first death related to the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The victim, aged between 50-60 years and hailing from Texas, was unvaccinated, according to the Harris County health department.2. President Biden on Tuesday announced that the USA has purchased half-billion, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests kits to fight the Omicron surge. Americans will be able to request the free-at-home COVID-19 tests to their homes through an online website.
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3. The new move is also aimed at lowering the burden of hospitals. The government will allow mobilization of 1,000 military medical personnel at overburdened hospitals.
4. Festive season is here and Omicron cases are multiplying in America at a very fast speed. Giving hope and appreciating those Americans who are already vaccinated, President Biden said, "If you got your booster shot, if you are vaccinated and follow the precautions that we all know well, you should feel comfortable celebrating Christmas and the holidays as you plan. You've done the right thing." The US president once again urged the unvaccinated to get vaccinated soon, in order to protect their lives.
5. President Biden also rejected the claim that the US may turn to where it was in March 2020, when the pandemic began. "No, this is not March of 2020. Two hundred million people are fully vaccinated. We're prepared. We know more. We just have to stay focused. We should all be concerned about the omicron but not panicked," Biden said.
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6. The Biden administration has taken strong measures to fight the new variant, in addition to the Delta variant. The omicron variant accounted for 73% of new cases last week, data provided by the Federal health officials on Monday revealed.
