Anticipating The Omicron Variant, New York Gives IDR 1.4 Million To Its Citizens Who Received Booster Doses Before New Year

JAKARTA - New York City, United States (US) is offering an incentive of 100 US dollars, or around IDR 1.426.000, to every resident who will receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before the new year amid the threat of the Omicron variant.

"So starting today, we're announcing a $100 incentive for everyone who goes out and gets a boost, here in New York City, between now and the end of the year, so it's a limited time opportunity over the next few days," the mayor Bill de Blasio announced during a press conference, quoted from Sputnik News December 22.

Earlier, White House Chief Medical Adviser Anthony Fauci said hospitals in the United States may face an increased burden due to the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The United States is reportedly experiencing another increase in cases of COVID-19 infection with about 130.000 cases reported daily. About 60 percent of the population of Uncle Sam's Country is fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, 50 million eligible Americans have decided not to receive the vaccine because of the risk of potential side effects or because they have natural immunity.

Previously, the President of the United States (US) Joe Biden asked his citizens to immediately complete or receive a COVID-19 vaccination, to combat the Omicron variant that is sweeping the world with European countries considering imposing new restrictions.

Omicron infections are doubling across Europe, the United States, and Asia, including in Japan, where one cluster of COVID-19 cases at military bases has grown to at least 180. President Biden at the White House, where he announced plans to buy 500 million rapid COVID-19 tests to distribute free of charge to Americans who request them starting next January.

In a firm tone about the risk of one in four American adults who are still unvaccinated, he said: "Your choice could be the difference between life and death."

In addition, President Biden also activated about 1.000 military medical personnel to support the already overwhelmed hospitals.

To note, the Omicron variant now accounts for 73 percent of all new cases of COVID-19 in the United States, up from less than 1 percent previously at the start of the month.