[CTC] Pres Biden calls for TRIPS Waiver in Omicron statement

[Arthur Stamoulis]

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/26/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-the-omicron-covid-19-variant/

*Statement by President Joe Biden on the Omicron COVID-⁠19 Variant*
NOVEMBER 26, 2021
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

This morning I was briefed by my chief medical advisor, Dr. Tony Fauci, and
the members of our COVID response team, about the Omicron variant, which is
spreading through Southern Africa. As a precautionary measure until we have
more information, I am ordering additional air travel restrictions from
South Africa and seven other countries. These new restrictions will take
effect on November 29. As we move forward, we will continue to be guided by
what the science and my medical team advises.

For now, I have two important messages for the American people, and one for
the world community.

First, for those Americans who are fully vaccinated against severe COVID
illness – fortunately, for the vast majority of our adults — the best way
to strengthen your protection is to get a booster shot, as soon as you are
eligible.  Boosters are approved for all adults over 18, six months past
their vaccination and are available at 80,000 locations coast-to-coast.
They are safe, free, and convenient.  Get your booster shot now, so you can
have this additional protection during the holiday season.

Second, for those not yet fully vaccinated: get vaccinated today.  This
includes both children and adults.  America is leading the world in
vaccinating children ages 5-11, and has been vaccinating teens for many
months now – but we need more Americans in all age groups to get this
life-saving protection. If you have not gotten vaccinated, or have not
taken your children to get vaccinated, now is the time.

Finally, for the world community: the news about this new variant should
make clearer than ever why this pandemic will not end until we have global
vaccinations. The United States has already donated more vaccines to other
countries than every other country combined. It is time for other countries
to match America’s speed and generosity.

*In addition, I call on the nations gathering next week for the World Trade
Organization ministerial meeting to meet the U.S. challenge to waive
intellectual property protections for COVID vaccines, so these vaccines can
be manufactured globally.  I endorsed this position in April; this news
today reiterates the importance of moving on this quickly.*

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Arthur Stamoulis
Citizens Trade Campaign
(202) 494-8826
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