Biden says ‘nothing’s been good enough’ as Covid hotspots see testing shortages
3 years ago

Biden says ‘nothing’s been good enough’ as Covid hotspots see testing shortages

CNN  

CNN — President Joe Biden on Wednesday acknowledged his administration has struggled to meet the nation’s demand for Covid-19 tests, but he defended the federal response to a surge in cases – driven largely by the Omicron variant. In a one-on-one interview by ABC News, interviewer David Muir asked the President whether the administration’s efforts were “good enough,” given that many Americans are struggling to get access to Covid-19 testing ahead of Christmas. Biden on Wednesday acknowledged the administration is “chasing” the highly transmissible Omicron variant, telling ABC, “The fact of the matter is we’re chasing whatever comes on the scene that hadn’t been there before – and this wasn’t there this last summer, for example.” “But what do you plan for? So … admittedly we can always do better, but I can’t think of something specifically that we would have done differently.” On ABC, Biden also said a vaccine requirement for domestic air travel had been considered in the US, but “the recommendation I’ve gotten is not necessary … even with Omicron.” This story has been updated with more information from the interview.

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History of this topic

Biden said the pandemic is over, but the pandemic won’t cooperate
1 year, 11 months ago

Biden said the pandemic is over, but the pandemic won’t cooperate

LA Times  

Three years after the United States logged its first case of COVID-19, the pandemic has slipped off the front pages and seemingly out of public consciousness. “We’ve reached what I would call a level of détente with the virus,” said Jay Varma, an infectious disease specialist at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. “I would say there’s a lot …

Biden tests negative for COVID, but stays in isolation until 2nd test can confirm result
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden tests negative for COVID, but stays in isolation until 2nd test can confirm result

LA Times  

President Biden speaks Friday outside the White House, where he’s been working in isolation, before signing two bills aimed at combating fraud in COVID-19 relief programs for small businesses. Dr. Kevin O’Connor wrote in his latest daily update that the president, “in an abundance of caution,” will abide by the “strict isolation measures” in place since his “rebound” infection was …

EXPLAINER: What’s known about Biden catching COVID-19?
2 years, 5 months ago

EXPLAINER: What’s known about Biden catching COVID-19?

Associated Press  

President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, is experiencing mild symptoms and has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral pill treatment. Biden felt tired Wednesday evening and didn’t sleep well, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said at a press briefing. The president’s doctor said Biden’s vaccination status and early treatment with Paxlovid should keep him out of …

Biden tests positive for COVID-19, has ‘very mild symptoms’
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden tests positive for COVID-19, has ‘very mild symptoms’

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and is experiencing “very mild symptoms,” the White House said, as new variants of the highly contagious virus are challenging the nation’s efforts to get back to normal after two and a half years of pandemic disruptions. Jean-Pierre described the president’s symptoms as “very mild” and said Biden had …

Netherlands not prepared for Covid-19 outbreak in the fall: experts
2 years, 8 months ago

Netherlands not prepared for Covid-19 outbreak in the fall: experts

NL Times  

With hardly any restrictions in place, the coronavirus seems to have slipped from public consciousness. I don’t think that new structure will be in place this fall,” Anja Schreijer, former Outbreak Management Team member and former Head of the Infectious Disease Control Department at the GGD Amsterdam explained. “The demand is 600 million euros, the Cabinet has promised 300 million.” …

News Analysis: COVID-19 surge abroad, high-profile cases serve as reminder to Biden: Pandemic isn’t over
2 years, 9 months ago

News Analysis: COVID-19 surge abroad, high-profile cases serve as reminder to Biden: Pandemic isn’t over

LA Times  

President Biden is anxious to signal that the U.S. has turned a corner on the pandemic, but infections are rising in Europe in an ominous sign. In Europe, cases are also on the rise, an ominous sign that yet another surge in infections might be around the corner in the U.S. White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain on Thursday …

America's top medical expert Antony Fauci hints at need for fourth-dose to battle COVID-19 variant Omicron
2 years, 10 months ago

America's top medical expert Antony Fauci hints at need for fourth-dose to battle COVID-19 variant Omicron

Firstpost  

The fourth-dose boost for an individual could be based on age, as well as underlying conditions, explained the White House chief medical advisor Washington: White House chief medical advisor Antony Fauci hinted that there may be the need for the fourth-dose boost in the United States to battle with COVID-19 variant Omicron, adding that the booster could be based on …

WHO: In 10 weeks, omicron surge causes COVID cases to soar
2 years, 11 months ago

WHO: In 10 weeks, omicron surge causes COVID cases to soar

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The World Health Organization chief said Tuesday that 90 million cases of coronavirus have been reported since the omicron variant was first identified 10 weeks ago — amounting to more than in all of 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many countries easing their restrictive measures amid public fatigue about them, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom …

Coronavirus cases since Omicron exceed those in all of 2020, WHO says
2 years, 11 months ago

Coronavirus cases since Omicron exceed those in all of 2020, WHO says

LA Times  

The head of the World Health Organization says 90 million coronavirus cases have been reported since the Omicron variant was first identified 10 weeks ago. The World Health Organization chief said Tuesday that 90 million coronavirus cases have been reported since the Omicron variant was first identified 10 weeks ago — amounting to more cases than in all of 2020, …

Jan. 20, 2022 coronavirus pandemic and the Omicron variant news
2 years, 11 months ago

Jan. 20, 2022 coronavirus pandemic and the Omicron variant news

CNN  

Covid-19 at home test kits are seen at Davies Pharmacy in Canton, Ohio, on Wednesday, January 5. Some states say they are having a difficult time getting their hands on rapid Covid-19 tests following the US federal government’s plan to send at-home test kits to households across the country. “We have not taken a single contract away from anyone,” a …

Biden announces new measures to combat Omicron threat
2 years, 11 months ago

Biden announces new measures to combat Omicron threat

Al Jazeera  

US Joe Biden President said that teams of military medical personnel would be dispatched to help six states hard-hit by COVID. United States President Joe Biden announced the doubling of rapid at-home COVID-19 tests and the deployment of medical personnel to six hard-hit states as the nation confronts a surge in Omicron variant cases. Biden also announced that starting next …

‘We’re all frustrated’ on COVID: Biden to boost test availability and send military to help hospitals
2 years, 11 months ago

‘We’re all frustrated’ on COVID: Biden to boost test availability and send military to help hospitals

LA Times  

As the Omicron variant swamps hospitals with new coronavirus cases, President Biden on Thursday said he would reinforce the country’s healthcare system and make more COVID-19 tests available. However, Biden said his administration wouldn’t announce until next week its plans to make high-quality masks available for free even as he encouraged Americans to continue covering their mouths and noses indoors. …

‘They underestimated this virus.’ Omicron cuts through U.S. defenses despite Biden’s efforts
2 years, 11 months ago

‘They underestimated this virus.’ Omicron cuts through U.S. defenses despite Biden’s efforts

LA Times  

President Biden plans to speak about the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday as he faces rising criticism during the Omicron wave. “The big tragedy here is that we came through last winter and even the summer, and never did the work to address the structural issues that are putting us back in the situation that we’re in right now,” said Dr. …

Biden vowed to fix testing. But he didn’t plan for Omicron.
2 years, 11 months ago

Biden vowed to fix testing. But he didn’t plan for Omicron.

CNN  

CNN — As President Joe Biden was spending his holidays with family at the White House and in Delaware, he was frustrated to see images on television of Americans waiting in long lines for Covid-19 tests. By December, it was evident Biden was falling short of the promise he had made as a candidate that “anyone who wants a test …

Biden’s COVID response comes under fire in Senate hearing
2 years, 11 months ago

Biden’s COVID response comes under fire in Senate hearing

LA Times  

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, left, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during a hearing Tuesday on Capitol Hill. The administration’s booster rollout and the recent update to the quarantine and isolation guidance were a “mess” and a “disaster,” Burr said in the hearing. Omicron …

Biden urges concern but not alarm in US as omicron rises
3 years ago

Biden urges concern but not alarm in US as omicron rises

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden urged concern but not alarm as the United States set records for daily reported COVID-19 cases and his administration struggled to ease concerns about testing shortages, school closures and other disruptions caused by the omicron variant. In remarks Tuesday before a meeting with his COVID-19 response team at the White House, Biden aimed to convey …

Biden urges concern but not alarm in US as omicron rises
3 years ago

Biden urges concern but not alarm in US as omicron rises

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President Joe Biden urged concern but not alarm as the …

Biden confirms end of Omicron travel curbs for African nations
3 years ago

Biden confirms end of Omicron travel curbs for African nations

Al Jazeera  

US president says restrictions are ‘no longer necessary’, as new COVID-19 variant becomes dominant strain. US President Joe Biden has formally ordered an end to travel restrictions on eight southern African countries imposed last month to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, saying that the curbs are “no longer necessary to protect the public health”. The Biden administration …

Omicron will spike Covid cases 'much higher': Dr Fauci
3 years ago

Omicron will spike Covid cases 'much higher': Dr Fauci

India TV News  

Even as the Omicron variant rapidly spreads across the globe, cases of Covid-19 are likely going to keep surging, top US infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has said. While studies show Omicron is less severe in terms of hospitalisations, Fauci stressed that people should not "to get complacent" because "when you have such a high volume of new infections, …

Biden pledges support to US states as COVID infections spike
3 years ago

Biden pledges support to US states as COVID infections spike

Al Jazeera  

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. We just have to stay focused and continue to work together.” Biden added …

Biden pledges to support states in struggle against COVID
3 years ago

Biden pledges to support states in struggle against COVID

LA Times  

President Biden on Monday promised the federal government would do all it could to assist states facing surges in COVID-19 cases from the contagious Omicron variant, assuring governors that the administration was seeking to boost testing and vaccination capacity. Biden’s pledge came a week after federal health officials said Omicron surpassed the Delta variant as the leading cause of new …

Biden pivots to home tests to confront omicron surge
3 years ago

Biden pivots to home tests to confront omicron surge

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Fighting the omicron variant surging through the country, President Joe Biden announced the government will provide 500 million free rapid home-testing kits, increase support for hospitals under strain and redouble vaccination and boosting efforts. He noted that former President Donald Trump has gotten his booster shot, and he said it’s Americans’ “patriotic duty” to get vaccinated. White House …

Biden administration to distribute 500 million at-home Covid-19 test kits
3 years ago

Biden administration to distribute 500 million at-home Covid-19 test kits

Live Mint  

WASHINGTON : The Biden administration will distribute 500 million free at-home Covid-19 testing kits to Americans and take steps to deploy federal medical personnel to overburdened hospitals this winter, as the Omicron variant spreads around the country. Mr. Biden is expected to stress that Americans should take the Omicron variant seriously but shouldn’t panic, according to administration officials. Mr. Biden …

Biden announces free tests and defends the White House response as COVID cases surge
3 years ago

Biden announces free tests and defends the White House response as COVID cases surge

NPR  

Biden announces free tests and defends the White House response as COVID cases surge Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Semansky/AP Patrick Semansky/AP President Biden told Americans that he understands "how tired, worried and frustrated you are" about the latest COVID-19 case surge in the U.S. and announced several new steps to deal with the highly contagious omicron variant. The …

Joe Biden pledges 500 million free at-home Covid-19 tests from Jan 2022 to counter Omicron
3 years ago

Joe Biden pledges 500 million free at-home Covid-19 tests from Jan 2022 to counter Omicron

India Today  

US President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday the opening of more federal vaccination and testing sites to tackle a surge in Covid-19 cases sparked by the Omicron variant, and said some 500 million at-home rapid tests will be available to Americans for free starting in January. The administration will open multiple federal testing centers, starting in New York City ahead …

Biden says US to provide 500 million home tests as Omicron surges
3 years ago

Biden says US to provide 500 million home tests as Omicron surges

Al Jazeera  

US president renews his call for Americans to get vaccinated and receive COVID booster shots amid Omicron variant’s spread. With COVID-19 cases on the rise across the United States, President Joe Biden has announced a series of steps to mitigate the spread of the virus, including broader access to at-home testing, new vaccination sites and more federal support for “COVID-burdened” …

Europe braces for Omicron ‘storm’, US announces new measures
3 years ago

Europe braces for Omicron ‘storm’, US announces new measures

Al Jazeera  

Omicron infections are multiplying across Europe, the US and Asia, prompting new measures. Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s European head, told a news conference in Vienna that within weeks Omicron would dominate in more countries of the region, “pushing already stretched health systems further to the brink”. “The second thing I think we’re seeing is the White House is …

Omicron: Biden administration finds itself on defense as variant races across the US
3 years ago

Omicron: Biden administration finds itself on defense as variant races across the US

CNN  

CNN — The Biden administration is once again on the defensive as the pandemic cuts its wildly unpredictable course, upending American lives with the holidays around the corner and the tools that could make for safer gathering – widespread, easily available testing – in short supply nearly two years into the crisis. Because Omicron appears to be so much more …

Biden outlines new Omicron strategy, will order 500 million at-home tests for Americans
3 years ago

Biden outlines new Omicron strategy, will order 500 million at-home tests for Americans

LA Times  

The president said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus will result in more “breakthrough” infections among vaccinated Americans. President Biden on Tuesday warned that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is expected to cause breakthrough infections “potentially in large numbers” and urged Americans to get vaccinated because “it’s the only responsible thing to do.” “Omicron is serious and potentially deadly …

Omicron spreading ‘significantly faster’ than Delta – WHO: Live
3 years ago

Omicron spreading ‘significantly faster’ than Delta – WHO: Live

Al Jazeera  

WHO chief warns of reinfection from COVID as US health authorities say Omicron variant now accounts for 73.2 percent of new cases. 20 Dec 2021 - 23:37 GMT Omicron now dominant Covid-19 variety in US: health authorities The fast-spreading Omicron variant is now the main coronavirus strain in the United States, accounting for 73.2 percent of new cases over the …

Biden prepares military medics and hospital supplies as Omicron wave hits U.S.
3 years ago

Biden prepares military medics and hospital supplies as Omicron wave hits U.S.

LA Times  

President Biden walks toward Marine One on Monday. President Biden will announce Tuesday that he’s mobilizing military medical personnel and distributing emergency equipment in preparation for a wave of new infections caused by the Omicron variant, according to a senior administration official. The administration suggested this year that vaccinated people didn’t need to be tested even if they came in …

Fauci warns Omicron COVID variant ‘raging through the world’
3 years ago

Fauci warns Omicron COVID variant ‘raging through the world’

Al Jazeera  

Top US infectious diseases expert warns hospitals in the country could face stresses in coming weeks as COVID-19 infections surge. Top US pandemic adviser Anthony Fauci has warned of a bleak winter ahead as the Omicron coronavirus variant spurs a new wave of infections globally, sparking restrictions and concerns over hospital capacity. “One thing that’s very clear … is extraordinary …

Anthony Fauci says biggest issue for US is unvaccinated as COVID-19 Omicron variant spreads
3 years ago

Anthony Fauci says biggest issue for US is unvaccinated as COVID-19 Omicron variant spreads

ABC  

The Omicron variant is "just raging around the world" according to the White House's top medical adviser as US President Joe Biden prepares to issue "a stark warning of what the winter will look like" for Americans unvaccinated against COVID-19. Key points: Infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci says the biggest COVID issue in the US is the number of people …

Covid US latest: Biden warns of ‘winter of death’ with Omicron ‘here now and spreading’
3 years ago

Covid US latest: Biden warns of ‘winter of death’ with Omicron ‘here now and spreading’

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Joe Biden issued a …

Biden warns of ‘winter of illness, death’ for US unvaccinated
3 years ago

Biden warns of ‘winter of illness, death’ for US unvaccinated

Al Jazeera  

Warning comes as G7 calls Omicron world’s biggest threat to public health and UN chief appeals for an end to vaccine hoarding. US President Joe Biden is urging Americans to get vaccinated or boosted amid a surge in cases linked to the Omicron coronavirus variant, warning of a “winter of severe illness and death” for those who are yet to …

'Winter of severe illness and death for unvaccinated': US President Biden warns amid Omicron threat
3 years ago

'Winter of severe illness and death for unvaccinated': US President Biden warns amid Omicron threat

India Today  

US President Joe Biden warned on Thursday that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is going to sp Getting an update on the pandemic from top health advisers, Biden also said it is past time for people to get booster shots and urged them to do so as quickly as possible. "If you're vaccinated and have your booster shot, you're …

Biden unveils new plan to combat Omicron
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden unveils new plan to combat Omicron

Al Jazeera  

US lays out strategy to fight the coronavirus, including booster jabs, free home testing, and new requirements for international travellers. 2 Dec 2021 - 18:09 GMT South Africa’s health body sees threefold higher risk of reinfection The new Omicron variant of the coronavirus poses a threefold higher risk of reinfection than the currently dominant Delta variant and the Beta strain, …

‘We need to be ready’ — Biden unveils COVID-19 plan as Omicron arrives ahead of winter
3 years, 1 month ago

‘We need to be ready’ — Biden unveils COVID-19 plan as Omicron arrives ahead of winter

LA Times  

President Biden speaks about COVID-19 at the National Institutes of Health on Thursday. Warning that COVID-19 caseloads are poised to climb this winter, President Biden said Thursday that “we need to be ready” as he announced his plan for limiting the spread of infection. Although scientists are still studying the variant, the World Health Organization has warned that the risk …

Biden outlines new steps to combat Covid through winter months
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden outlines new steps to combat Covid through winter months

CNN  

CNN — President Joe Biden announced a new strategy Thursday aimed at fighting a potential winter surge of Covid-19 without enacting unpopular lockdowns as the pandemic approaches its two-year mark. “A plan, I think, that should unite us.” Biden’s speech, delivered from the campus of the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, came as cases of the worrying new Omicron …

Biden to boost winter pandemic protections as Omicron arrives in the U.S.
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden to boost winter pandemic protections as Omicron arrives in the U.S.

LA Times  

“We’ll fight this variant with science and speed, not chaos and confusion,” President Biden said Wednesday. As winter approaches and the Omicron variant rattles the globe, President Biden will announce expansive plans to increase the country’s defenses against the coronavirus, including a campaign to convince Americans to get booster shots and a requirement that insurance companies cover the cost of …

Inside the Biden White House’s thorny response to the Omicron variant
3 years, 1 month ago

Inside the Biden White House’s thorny response to the Omicron variant

CNN  

CNN — President Joe Biden has spent hours over the last week peppering his medical team with questions about the quickly spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus, pressing them for more data and asking when his team would know more. “We’ll fight this variant with science and speed, not chaos and confusion,” Biden said Wednesday ahead of his address. Privately, …

Joe Biden on Omicron: Cause for concern, not panic, US not considering lockdown
3 years, 1 month ago

Joe Biden on Omicron: Cause for concern, not panic, US not considering lockdown

Live Mint  

United States President Joe Biden on Monday called the new Covid-19 variant omicron a cause for concern but “not a cause for panic" and said he was not considering any widespread US lockdown. When omicron arrives, and it will, Biden said, America will “face this new threat just as we’ve faced those that have come before it.” He appealed to …

New variant cause for concern, not panic, Biden tells US
3 years, 1 month ago

New variant cause for concern, not panic, Biden tells US

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden called the new coronavirus variant omicron a cause for concern but “not a cause for panic” Monday and said he was not considering any widespread U.S. lockdown. When omicron arrives, and it will, Biden said, America will “face this new threat just as we’ve faced those that have come before it.” He appealed to the …

Biden Calls Omicron Variant Cause For Concern, Not Panic
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden Calls Omicron Variant Cause For Concern, Not Panic

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden called the new coronavirus variant omicron a cause for concern but “not a cause for panic” Monday and said he was not considering any widespread U.S. lockdown. When omicron arrives, and it will, Biden said, America will “face this new threat just as we’ve faced those that have come before it.” He …

Biden beware: GOP sees opportunity in new COVID variant
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden beware: GOP sees opportunity in new COVID variant

Salon  

Americans woke up on Black Friday this year to more than a food hangover and big crowds at the malls. Along with the rest of the world, we were greeted with news of a frightening new COVID variant that appears to have characteristics that may make it more dangerous than the previous strains. Within hours, the World Health Organization named …

Biden faces uncertain threat with Omicron variant as evolving pandemic tests nation’s patience
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden faces uncertain threat with Omicron variant as evolving pandemic tests nation’s patience

LA Times  

President Biden adjusts his face mask on Monday as he speaks during a White House meeting with business leaders about the holiday shopping season. President Biden is racing to show the country that his administration is prepared for the Omicron variant as the World Health Organization warned there’s a “very high” risk of new global outbreaks, a possibility that could …

Opinion: Joe Biden faces a crucial test with the new Omicron variant (Opinion)
3 years, 1 month ago

Opinion: Joe Biden faces a crucial test with the new Omicron variant (Opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is the host of SiriusXM radio’s daily program “The Dean Obeidallah Show” and a columnist for The Daily Beast. CNN — Dean Obeidallah CNN There are more questions than answers about the new Covid-19 variant known as Omicron first identified Thursday by South Africa’s health minister. PolitiFact summed up well Trump’s overall message …

Biden team finds promises hard to make – let alone keep
3 years, 10 months ago

Biden team finds promises hard to make – let alone keep

CNN  

CNN — Speaking on television last week, Dr. Anthony Fauci predicted April would be “open season” for receiving the coronavirus vaccine, welcome news for a nation entering its second year under pandemic-forced lockdowns and ever-lingering fear of disease. “That was predicated on J&J – the Johnson product – having considerably more doses than now we know they’re going to have,” …

‘Overwhelm the problem': Inside Biden’s war on COVID-19
3 years, 10 months ago

‘Overwhelm the problem': Inside Biden’s war on COVID-19

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The meetings begin each day not long after dawn. Where the last administration addressed the pandemic with the vernacular of a natural disaster — using the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s mantra of a “federally supported, state managed and locally executed” response — President Joe Biden’s team is borrowing from the Pentagon and the doctrine of overwhelming force. “We’re …

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