AMIDST the spike of the Omicron variant in the US President Joe Biden reacts.

Joe Biden announced on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 that the federal government will distribute 500million free at-home rapid covid tests to Americans.

When will Joe Biden distribute at-home Covid tests?

On Monday, December 20, 2021 the Omicron variant became the dominant variant spreading in the US.

President Biden announced that the federal government plans to mail 500million at-home covid tests to Americans beginning in January.

The president made the announcement on Tuesday saying he understood Americans frustration amidst the surge.

"I want to start by acknowledging how tired, worried and frustrated I know you are.

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"For many of you, this will be the first or even the second Christmas, we look across the table to see an empty kitchen chair.

"If you're not fully vaccinated, you have good reason to be concerned," Biden said.

"Almost everyone who has died from COVID-19 in the past many months has been unvaccinated. Unvaccinated."

He went on to explain that those who are not vaccinated are putting other people at risk.

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"You may think you're putting only yourself at risk. But, it's your choice. Your choice is not just about you, it affects other people. You're putting other people at risk.

"Your loved ones, your friends, neighbors, strangers you run into, and your choice can be the difference between life or death. The longer the virus is around, the more likely variants form that may be deadlier than the ones that have come before," he said.

Will the US face another lockdown amidst the Omicron surge?

During the free at-home tests speech Biden rejected the idea that the US would face another lockdown despite the surge.

The president said public health officials have the means this winter to keep schools open safely, for example.

"If you are vaccinated and follow the precautions that we all know well, you should feel comfortable celebrating Christmas and the holidays as you planned it," he said.

"The best thing to do is get fully vaccinated and get your booster shot — and no, this is not March of 2020. Two hundred million people are fully vaccinated. We're prepared. We know more. We just have to stay focused," Biden added.

Who will get the free at-home covid tests?

The Biden administration revealed that the free at-home rapid tests will be delivered by mail to Americans who request them.

This is a slightly different approach as some European countries have chosen to send them to all residents.

"Because Omicron spreads so easily, we'll see some fully vaccinated people get COVID, potentially in large numbers. There will be positive cases in every office, even here in the White House.

"But these cases are highly unlikely to lead to serious illness. Vaccinated people who get COVID may get ill, but they're protected from severe illness and death. That's why you should still remain vigilant," Biden said.

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