[ 2021-03-12 ]

Biden eyes 4 July as ‘Independence Day’ from virus
President Joe Biden has said he is hopeful that
America can "mark independence" from Covid-19 on 4
July if people get vaccinated.

In his first primetime address as president, Mr
Biden said he would order states to make all
adults eligible for vaccinations by 1 May.

Current measures prioritise people by age or
health condition.

His speech comes a year to the day the outbreak
was classified as a pandemic. Half a million
Americans have died.

Last March, all US major sport was cancelled and
actor Tom Hanks announced he had caught the virus.
Then-President Donald Trump suspended travel from
Europe, and also said he hoped the US would be
open again for Easter.

In his speech President Biden also eyed an
important date in the calendar for when small
groups could get together again.

"If we do this together, by 4 July, there is a
good chance you, your family and friends can get
together in your backyard and celebrate
Independence Day," Mr Biden said.

He added that the country would be able to not
only celebrate Independence Day but also
"independence from this virus".

As part of the plans to expand vaccinations, the
number of places where people can be immunised
will be increased with veterinarians and dentists
among those also allowed to vaccinate people.

Mobile units will travel into local communities to
provide vaccinations in underserved communities,
the president said.

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Mr Biden set a target of 100m vaccinations by his
100th day in office but in his address, he said
this target would be reached on day 60.

Despite the good news, he warned that the "fight
is far from over". "This is not the time to let
up," he added.

He called on people to maintain social distancing
measures, hand washing and wear a mask.

"Beating the virus and getting back to normal
relies on national unity," he said.

Source - BBC

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