WASHINGTON: In response to an increase in cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of Covid, US President Joe Biden has announced 500 million free at-home test kits, while also urging people to get vaccinated and receive a booster shot. The at-home tests will be available for purchase online and at local pharmacies beginning in January, and will be "reimbursed."

"Because Omicron spreads quickly, particularly among the unvaccinated, it is critical that we know who is infected. That means we need to conduct more tests "Biden made the remarks during a speech outlining new coronavirus response measures at the White House on Tuesday.

"The federal government will spend half a billion dollars on additional at-home rapid tests, with deliveries beginning in January. We will provide these tests to Americans at no cost. And we'll have websites where you can order them and have them delivered to your home "Biden stated. The free testing will help to reduce wait times and the burden on healthcare systems.

The President also mentioned that the country has over 20,000 free testing sites. In addition, 1,000 military doctors, nurses, and medics will be deployed to assist local hospitals in staffing and expanding capacity, according to Biden.

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