Murray On the Importance of Biden Plan to Ensure Testing is Free and Available Amid Omicron Threat
Biden Administration announced plan to make 500 million rapid tests available to the American people for free
Murray: “Providing free tests to the American people will mean they can get the testing they need to keep themselves and others safe without waiting in long lines, checking multiple locations, or worrying about cost.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement in response to President Biden’s speech outlining the Administration’s latest efforts to respond to the surging Omicron variant of COVID-19.
“Families in my state and across the country are concerned by the alarmingly fast spread of the Omicron variant, and anxious to know what we are doing to keep them safe from this latest threat. I have been clear how important it is we make sure tests are free and easily available, people continue to get vaccinated and boosted, hospitals are ready for an Omicron-driven surge, and schools are able to keep students safely in the classroom—and I’m glad President Biden is continuing to take action on these issues.
“Providing free tests to the American people will mean they can get the testing they need to keep themselves and others safe without waiting in long lines, checking multiple locations, or worrying about cost. The new resources announced to support hospitals, health care providers, and our vaccination efforts will also be critical for keeping our communities safe and healthy. I look forward to seeing more details on the Administration’s plan to implement these new steps, as well as tackle other challenges like ensuring patients can get lifesaving new COVID therapeutics when they are authorized.”
President Biden announced several steps today to protect families and communities from the Omicron variant, including plans to increase vaccination capacity, support hospitals and health care providers, and plans to buy 500 million rapid COVID test which will be made available to the American people free of charge.
###
