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World / Americas

Biden tells unvaccinated Americans to be 'concerned' about Omicron variant

Published: 22 Dec 2021 - 12:28 am | Last Updated: 22 Dec 2021 - 12:29 am
Peninsula

Reuters

WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned unvaccinated Americans they are putting themselves and loved ones at risk amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus sweeping the nation.

"If you're not fully vaccinated, you have good reason to be concerned," Biden said in a White House speech where he unveiled new plans to buy 500 million rapid COVID-19 tests to be distributed for free to Americans who request them in January.

Biden noted vaccinated people who get COVID-19 may get ill but they are protected from severe illness and death and they should feel comfortable celebrating Christmas and the holidays as they had planned.