Plan to move the United States into a new phase of the pandemic

(CNN) — The White House on Wednesday released a plan to take the nation to a new phase of the pandemic in which covid-19 “does not interrupt our daily lives,” while preparing the nation For any new variable that may arise.

The National covid-19 preparedness plan, which will require additional funding from Congress, focuses on investing in covid-19 treatments, preparing for new variants, keeping schools and businesses open, and continuing efforts to vaccinate the nation and the world.

“Vaccines, treatments, tests, masks-these tools are how we continue to protect people and allow us to move forward safely and return to our normal routine. Go out to eat at a restaurant, take that long-delayed trip, arrange a play date for your kids, or attend a sporting event, movie or concert again, ” White House covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients told reporters at a White House press conference.

An important new part of the plan includes the new “test for cure” initiative announced by President Joe Biden during his state of the Union address Tuesday night. He said Americans could get tested for covid-19 at a pharmacy and get free antiviral pills “immediately” if they tested positive.

Hundreds of such “comprehensive treatment” sites across the country will open this month, Zentz said. These locations will be in pharmacy clinics, community health centers, long-term care centers, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities across the country.

This has been proven…