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President Biden ordered health officials in a garbled speech given on Thursday to purchase and distribute an additional 500 million COVID-19 tests for free due to the Omicron variant surging across the nation in a move that many Americans see as doomed to failure.
Biden has already allocated 500 million free COVID tests and now he’s doubling down on the plan while advising people to Google where they can get them.
The Department of Defense, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded the massive $51.6 million contract to Goldbelt Security, LLC, in Newport News, Virginia, for the delivery of over-the-counter COVID test kits. The Defense Department is stating that the procurement was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
“We’re seeing a real improvement in testing,” Biden proclaimed, asserting that his administration has made a “huge leap” in testing in January and that they are “on track” to unveil their website later this month. Americans will allegedly be able to order free testing kits from the site and have them delivered to their homes.
Biden’s announcement does not seem to be inspiring confidence in the American people.
President Biden just announced that our administration will purchase an additional 500 million COVID-19 at home tests, bringing the total number of tests that will be distributed for free to 1 billion. pic.twitter.com/Ze8NSyKaf9
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 13, 2022
Biden admin announces 500 million ‘free’ COVID tests, but critics see major problems https://t.co/D3vF53YSe8 pic.twitter.com/8HkfcIAqdt
— Conservative News (@BIZPACReview) January 11, 2022
“We’ll continue to work with the retailers online to increase availability,” the President stated. “And for those who want an immediate test, we continue to add FEMA testing sites so that there are more free in-person testing sites.”
Biden told those with insurance that they would be reimbursed for eight tests a month – that means that they have to shell out the money for the expensive tests upfront. Those without insurance were advised to find one of the 20,000 free testing sites across the country.
The President sat with his back to the press pool and announced his plan to distribute free high-quality masks during his speech. He said it was the “patriotic duty” of Americans to wear their masks in response to record-high numbers of COVID cases caused by the Omicron variant.
Biden: "Please wear a mask. I think it's part of your patriotic duty" pic.twitter.com/iyVm0eNJ3f
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 13, 2022
“Mr. President, do you have a message for vaccinated Americans who are wondering why they should continue to restrict their activities given your health officials say most Americans will get COVID at some point?” one reporter asked as they were herded out of the room according to the New York Post.
“Folks, we’ll talk about that later,” Biden responded. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Why should Americans trust your administration to beat COVID when the virus is still here, sir?” a second reporter inquired, alluding to Biden’s 2020 campaign promise to “shut down the virus.”
A third reporter yelled, “Mr. President, do you believe Omicron is the beginning of the end of this pandemic?”
A fourth reporter suggested to Biden, “Maybe a press conference soon, Mr. President? We’d look forward to that.”
Many had trouble understanding what Biden was trying to say during his speech and it appeared he was having trouble speaking as well.
What is Biden trying to say? pic.twitter.com/kDeTYNdnwF
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 13, 2022
This is so embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/ycGwlk1wp0
— Election Wizard 🇺🇸 (@ElectionWiz) January 13, 2022
Biden was mocked and ridiculed for the rollout.
“Where are the COVID tests, @JoeBiden @POTUS? Biden promised tests by the holidays, and he didn’t deliver. He promised them by the “beginning of January,” and still no tests,” GOP Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel tweeted.
Where are the COVID tests, @JoeBiden @POTUS?
Biden promised tests by the holidays, and he didn’t deliver.
He promised them by the “beginning of January,” and still no tests.
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) January 13, 2022
“Biden failed to order enough treatments and tests, and somehow claims that’s the “right track” on COVID? If Biden followed his own standard, he would resign,” she also snarked.
Biden failed to order enough treatments and tests, and somehow claims that’s the “right track” on COVID?
If Biden followed his own standard, he would resign.
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) January 13, 2022
“even if Biden mailed everyone free tests and masks today, why didn’t he do it a year ago? why did he tell ppl to stop wearing masks in [J]uly?” one person on Twitter asked.
even if Biden mailed everyone free tests and masks today, why didn't he do it a year ago? why did he tell ppl to stop wearing masks in july?
— Dilan (@diIanpcook) January 12, 2022
“Biden announces plans to offer free masks and purchase 500 million more COVID-19 tests. After a year in office, is this the best we get from the man who promised to “shut down the virus?” another commented.
Biden announces plans to offer free masks and purchase 500 million more COVID-19 tests. After a year in office, is this the best we get from the man who promised to "shut down the virus?"
— GreatAmericanMail (@mail_american) January 13, 2022
Others piled on criticizing what they see as yet another boondoggle by the President as well as doubting his mental acuity:
To meet demand, President Biden announced he will order 500 million more COVID tests. Experts believe his CVS receipt might be the first to successfully circle the planet. pic.twitter.com/GxZE4cy3zT
— Jarrett Bellini (@JarrettBellini) January 13, 2022
Can someone tell him to practice reading/speaking it a few times before going live?
— Frank Watson (@justfrankwatson) January 13, 2022
when was this again?
— Namecannotbeblank (@boerlaur) January 13, 2022
The man is gone, folks. It’s not even funny anymore.
— BK (@bk48oh) January 13, 2022
how did people vote for this guy…
— G Twice (@g_twice) January 13, 2022
I will wear a mask as my patriotic duty when you resign as yours.
— Caffeine Lover (@CaffeineLover) January 13, 2022
It’s definitely a failing strategy that will impact Democrats for several elections. I just don’t get it. Seems like with learnings on Omicron being both a milder impact strain health wise and vaccines not preventing spread they could pull back mandates and spin it as a positive
— Chris Anthony (@cha764) January 13, 2022
that’s how my 94 year old grandad talks, exactly the same mannerisms, bless him
— “D” (@bitcoinbeckham) January 13, 2022
— The Laughing Man (@laughingmantwit) January 13, 2022
Ain’t gonna make it til 2025. Just can’t imagine 3 more years of this.
— Francisco Kauak🇨🇱✌️ (@fkauak) January 13, 2022
Thanks for the tip Brandon. Any idea on how I can find a restaurant near me?
— OldSurfer (@WindSurfTJS) January 13, 2022
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