Biden says 4 July cookouts could mark ‘independence from virus’ but warns conditions ‘can change’
Biden says 4 July cookouts could mark ‘independence from virus’ but warns conditions ‘can change’
Joe Biden has told America he hopes the nation can celebrate 4 July cookouts as “independence” from the coronavirus, but warned he needs “everyone to do their part”.
In his first televised primetime address, considered a presidential rite of passage for every occupant of the Oval Office, Mr Biden said he was order that every adult be made eligible for the vaccine by May 1.
He said he was also hopeful of pressing ahead with a plan to open most schools for youngsters from kindergarten to the eighth grade within the first 100 days of his presidency.
“A year ago we were hit with a virus that was met with silence, and spread unchecked. Denials for days, weeks, then months. That led to more deaths,” he began in speech, in a clear reference to his predecessor Donald Trump.
Later, he said he needed all Americans to do their part to fight the spread of the illness – to wear masks, get vaccinated and continue to observe social distancing.
“If we do all this, if we do our part, we do this together, by July fourth there’s a good chance you, your families and friends will be able to get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout and a barbecue and celebrate Independence Day,” he added.
“That doesn’t mean large events, with lots of people together, but it does mean small groups will be able to get together. After this long hard year that will make this Independence Day something truly special, where we not only mark our independence as a nation, but we begin to mark our independence from this virus.”
Mr Biden’s words, both sombre and hopeful and stretching close to 24 minutes, came as the nation approached close to the 30m infections from the disease, and 530,000 deaths.
In one dramatic flourish, he took from his pocket a piecer of paper he said he carried with him every day, containing the total number of Americans whose lives had been taken by the disease, or else fell it; as it was the figure Mr Biden quoted was slightly less than the total tallied by the John Hopkins University of Medicine, but it was not far off.
“I promise I will do everything in my power. I will not relent until we beat this virus,” he said.
“But I need you. The American people I need you, I need every American to do their part. That’s not hyperbole, I need you.”
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