Covid-19: Biden asks the unvaccinated to stop hindering

Daily COVID-19 infections rise 47% in the US 1:13

(CNN) -

President Joe Biden announced on Thursday the administration's efforts to respond to the growing covid-19 pandemic through additional testing, increased medical support and increased supply of high-quality masks.

He did so while making a clear case for getting vaccinated and bolstered, asking those who have not done so to stop "standing in the way," while renewing appeals to media giants to combat the spread of the disease. disinformation.

Biden reiterated the importance of masks by announcing that new details will be released next week on free high-quality masks such as the KN95 and N95.

"Next week we will announce how we are going to make high-quality face masks available to the American people for free. I know we all want to end the use of masks once and for all. I understand that, but they are a really important tool in stopping the spread. especially of the highly transmissible omicron variant, "he said at the White House before a virtual briefing of military medical teams on the ground.

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On Wednesday, the coordinator of the White House response to covid-19, Jeff Zients, told reporters that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, for its acronym in English) does not changed their guidance on the use of masks, but the Biden administration is "strongly considering" making higher quality masks, such as the N95 and KN95, available to Americans.

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This Thursday, Biden called the use of masks a "patriotic duty", pointing to a statistic that indicates that approximately one third of Americans do not wear a mask, making it clear that he understands that it is "not comfortable" and it is a "headache." .

The President also announced a new purchase of 500 million additional covid-19 tests in addition to the 500 million free rapid tests that will be done at home via a website, amid continued demand for tests and the continuing shortage.

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"Next week we will launch a website where you can request free tests that will be sent to your home. And in addition to the 500 million tests that are in the process of being acquired to be sent to your home for free, today I'm directing my team to purchase another 500 million tests for free distribution. I'm talking about 1 billion tests in total to meet future demand. And we'll continue to work with retailers and online vendors to increase availability. ", He said.

He added that the administration continues to add federally run testing centers and highlighted new measures to make testing reimbursable to those with insurance.

Biden also outlined the federal response, which includes deploying military personnel to six hard-hit states to help resolve staff shortages at hospitals.

"Today I am announcing our upcoming deployment of six additional federal medical teams - a total of more than 120 military medical personnel - to six heavily affected states: Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Rhode Island," he said.

Since Thanksgiving, he noted, more than 800 military and other federal personnel have been deployed to 24 states, tribes and territories, including more than 350 military doctors, nurses and medical personnel.

More than 14,000 National Guard members are also activated in 49 states.

All of these deployments, he noted, are fully paid for by the covid aid package approved by Congress early last year.

These masks are effective against omicron 0:49

He said he also directed FEMA to make sure there is sufficient hospital bed capacity in every state.

Biden also offered a clear warning of the importance of getting vaccinated to combat while his critics cite the rise in cases among people who are fully vaccinated.

"I know we are all frustrated as we enter this new year. The omicron variant is causing millions of cases and record hospitalizations. I have been saying that as long as we remain in this pandemic, this is an unvaccinated pandemic. And I mean by this that Right now, both vaccinated and unvaccinated are testing positive, but what happens next couldn't be more different, "he said.

And he continued: "If vaccinated people test positive, the vast majority do not have any symptoms, or have mild symptoms. And if they are not vaccinated, if they test positive, they are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized," adding that deaths they have been "drastically" reduced compared to this time last year.

Subsequently, he made a stronger appeal to the millions of Americans who have yet to be vaccinated, warning that they are not only on the sidelines, they are on the way.

"It has been a long road. But what is clear is that we will succeed when everyone does their part, no matter where you live, no matter your political party, we have to fight together against this. Unfortunately, while our military is giving one step forward, as they always do, there are others who stay on the sidelines and, what is worse, stand in the way. If you have not been vaccinated, do it. Personal choice affects us all: our hospitals, our our country, "he said.

He also appealed to businesses and social media

Federal doctors are "part of the first series of deployments" to help in the current wave of covid-19

The wave of covid has put hospitals across the country under considerable strain.

And, to combat the enormous pressure on health services that comes as more staff members declare themselves ill from the virus, state leaders enacted emergency procedures to help hospitals cope.

"The sudden and steep rise in cases due to omicron is leading to an unprecedented daily count of cases, illnesses, absenteeism and stresses on our healthcare system," said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Biden announced plans last month to mobilize 1,000 military doctors to help overflowing hospitals amid the omicron wave.

"These are just part of the first series of deployments," the White House official said of the latest mobilizations.

"The teams will continue to be mobilized and deployed where they are needed in the coming weeks to deal with omicron."

Covid-19 Joe Biden