President Biden addressed the nation Tuesday amid a fast-growing winter COVID surge, largely linked to the highly transmissible Omicron variant. He cautioned people against panicking but said those who are unvaccinated have “good reason to be concerned.” Biden announced a plan to distribute 500 million free at-home tests starting in January and more aid for hospitals. Biden also addressed the issue of federal vaccine mandates.

President Joe Biden: “I know vaccination requirements are unpopular for many. They’re not even popular for those who are anxious to get them. But my administration has put them in place not to control your life, but to save your life and the lives of others. Over 400,000 Americans died from COVID this calendar year — and almost all were unvaccinated, almost all were preventable.”