The city of New York, USA, has begun distributing kits that can be tested at home free of charge in response to the spread of infection with the new coronavirus mutant virus, Omicron strain.
In New York City, the infection of the Omicron strain has spread rapidly, and the number of new infections per day for the new corona continues to exceed 10,000.
Many people visit medical institutions and laboratories in the city every day to form long lines, and there are many cases where people wait for several hours before undergoing an examination or the time until the results are obtained is significantly delayed. I'm out.
In addition, it has become difficult to obtain commercially available test kits, and the city began distributing pre-secured antigen test kits that can be used at home for free on the 23rd.
The distribution was done at multiple venues, and many people who visited early in the morning received 2000 test kits distributed at one venue.
The man who received it said, "I'm planning to exchange gifts with my friends at Christmas, so I wanted to meet after confirming safety."
In addition, Mayor De Blasio of New York City announced on the 23rd that he will reduce the scale of the annual countdown event for the New Year at Times Square, which will be held for the first time in two years with the general public.
Approximately 58,000 people gather every year, but this time we will reduce it to approximately 15,000 and thoroughly implement infection control measures.