The US government is buying 500 million at-home rapid COVID tests that Americans will be able to order online for free starting in January, Joe Biden says.

The president also announced that more testing sites will be set up.

And 1,000 military medical personnel will be deployed as part of efforts to help hospitals overwhelmed by the pandemic.

Around 40million adults in the US have yet to get their vaccine – as Mr Biden said it was their “patriotic duty”.

Addressing the nation, President Biden said: “While COVID-19 has been a tough adversary we have shown we are tougher. Tougher because we have the power of science and vaccines that prevent illness and save lives.”

But he warned people who have yet to get the jab: “You have an obligation to yourselves, to your family and quite frankly, I know I will be criticised for this, but to your country.

“I honest to god believe it’s your patriotic duty.”