President Biden lays out omicron strategy, Minnesota medical expert supports plan

President Joe Biden told the nation Tuesday that the federal government is going to “significantly” increase efforts to combat the recent surge in COVID-19 cases which medical experts have said is largely due to the omicron variant sweeping the country.

“We are going to add 10,000 new vaccination sites on top of the 80,000 sites that we already have in place across the country,” said the President. “We have 40 million Americans who are unvaccinated and we have to do all we can to bring that number down.”

Biden also said the federal government has a plan for adding more COVID-19 testing sites and said he ordered the Pentagon to deploy more doctors, nurses and ancillary medical staff to cities and hospitals which are currently understaffed.

“Starting next month, private insurance will also cover at-home testing so you can order a test online and get reimbursed,” said Biden. “And, we’re providing free, at-home tests for those who might not have insurance and I have instructed the Pentagon to deploy 1,000 medical staff personnel to those hospitals who need the extra help the most.”

KSTP medical expert Dr. Archelle Georgiou said a layered approach is needed to stay safe during the surge and to help those navigate difficult situations with the holidays approaching this month.

“It’s get vaccinated, get boosted, wear masks, stay socially distanced when appropriate, rapid test when appropriate and of course get a PCR test when you need one,” said Georgiou. “These rapid tests that are going to become available will allow people to know, at a point in time, whether it is safe for them to get into a social situation and be with family and friends.”