President Biden predicted his administration will beat its initial goal of delivering 100 million COVID-19 vaccinations by his 100th day in office by some 40 days.
While declaring “America is coming back” during his first prime-time speech, Biden said the administration is on track to oversee a vaccination effort that will meet that goal on his 60th day. But the president stood in the East Room and said people need to continue wearing masks and taking other precautions in a speech both somber and hopeful.
“No other country in the world has done this,” he said of administering as many inoculations in three months.
What’s more, Biden contended the country will continue a pace of 2 million shots per day, twice the number he promised in December as the president-elect.
CALLS FOR UNITY IN BIDEN’S JOINT ADDRESS COULD BRING BOOS FROM REPUBLICANS
The president announced he will direct all states, tribes, and territories to make all adults eligible to get a vaccination no later than May 1.
“That’s much earlier than expected,” he said, noting that does not mean people will get a shot faster, but it will let them “get in line” sooner.
But the president, saying he wanted to tell people the “truth” in one of his handful of veiled shots at former President Donald Trump, told the public it should continue following government guidelines and adhering to remaining restrictions if it wants to return to normal.
“I will not relent until we beat this virus. But the American people, I need you,” he said, leaning on his lectern. “It’s not hyperbole. … I need you.”
He advocated continued mask-wearing and people getting their jabs as soon as their names are called. He called for social distancing and hand-washing.
“We need everyone to get vaccinated. … And keep wearing a mask, as recommended by the CDC,” he said. “Unity is what we do together as fellow Americans. If we don’t stay vigilant and the conditions change, we may have to reinstate restrictions to get back on track.”
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“And, please, we don’t want to do that,” the president said. “Now is not the time to let up.”
