After providing updates on the pandemic, Mr. Biden will be given the opportunity to take the stage. He will also announce the rollout COVID.gov which is a new website that allows Americans to access information about vaccines and treatment. Officials from the White House described the website to be a one-stop shop for all COVID-19-related needs in America.
Mr. Biden is among the 34 million Americans who are now eligible for a second booster shot. He will also speak out about the “test-to treat” initiative, which he announced during his State of the Union address. It has now expanded to more than 2000 locations across the country. This program aims to test Americans and help them obtain prescriptions in the same place if they are positive.
The official stated that the president would explain that the United States has the infrastructure, tools and systems that allow it to move forward safely because it pulled every lever of government in its fight against COVID.
According to a White House official, the president will again push Congress to approve new COVID-19 funding in order to provide vaccines and treatment. The administration has warned lawmakers that there won’t be enough vaccines to give all Americans a fourth shot and not enough funding for anti-viral treatments. The administration requested $30 billion from Congress. According to the official, without additional money, America’s progress will be in jeopardy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 975,000 Americans have been affected by COVID-19 since the outbreak. Since the beginning of the pandemic, hospitalizations and deaths have been in decline. According to the CDC, nearly 70% of Americans aged 5 and over are fully vaccinated. 89% of Americans aged 65 and older have been fully vaccinated. However, the vast majority of Americans have not received a booster shot.
