The White House is planning an at-home COVID-19 testing blitz for the winter
The White House will unveil new measures later Thursday to help the U.S. get through winter while dealing with the new variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and will emphasize at-home tests and boosters in a public-education campaign.
It noted that almost 60% of Americans are fully vaccinated, booster shots are authorized for all adults, and children aged 5 and older have been added to the vaccine program. Biden will also extend the requirement to wear a face mask on public transport, including planes, trains and buses through March 18. “Fines will continue to be doubled from their initial levels for noncompliance with the masking requirements – with a minimum fine of $500 and fines of up to $3,000 for repeat offenders,” said the statement.
Authorities fear the fourth wave of COVID-19 risks overwhelming intensive care units and on Thursday it resulted in more than 73,000 new infections and 388 deaths. From the U.K., drug maker GlaxoSmithKline GSK, +0.35% GSK, -0.12% said a preclinical analysis of its antibody-based COVID therapy suggests it will work against omicron. The therapy is being developed with Vir Biotechnology VIR, -2.34%, which saw its shares soar on the news.
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