Biden zeroes in on Delta variant as US nears 160 M fully vaccinated vs COVID-19 | Inquirer News

Biden zeroes in on Delta variant as US nears 160 M fully vaccinated vs COVID-19

/ 12:01 PM July 07, 2021

joe biden

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the White House at a celebration of Independence Day in Washington, U.S., July 4, 2021. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday encouraged Americans who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 to get their shots to protect themselves from the widely-spreading, highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus.

Biden told reporters the United States will reach a mark of 160 million Americans being fully vaccinated by the end of this week, but he warned against complacency as the Delta variant spreads among those who have not been inoculated.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Millions of Americans are still unvaccinated and unprotected. And because of that, their communities are at risk, their friends are at risk, the people they care about are at risk,” Biden said. “This is an even bigger concern because of the Delta variant.”

FEATURED STORIES

Biden said the variant was already responsible for “half of all cases in many parts of this country.”

The Delta variant, which is becoming dominant in many countries, is more easily transmitted than earlier versions of the coronavirus and may cause more severe disease, especially among younger people. It has now been found in every U.S. state, health officials have said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Biden noted that studies have shown that since early May virtually every COVID-19 hospitalization or death in the United States had been among people who were not vaccinated.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Please get vaccinated now,” he said. “It works. It’s free. It’s never been easier, and it’s never been more important.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Biden said his administration would devote the remainder of the summer toward getting more people vaccinated, including going door-to-door in neighborhoods to get help to more people who are unprotected from the virus.

He said 42,000 local pharmacies would serve as vaccine sites. Renewed emphasis would be placed on getting vaccines to family doctors and medical providers as well, including those who serve younger people.

Article continues after this advertisement

Vaccines would also be made available at workplaces, if possible, and more mobile clinics would be used to help at summer festivals, sporting events and houses of worship.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: COVID-19, Health, Joe Biden

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.