President-elect Joe Biden warned that if people don’t take the coronavirus seriously, and instead travel for Christmas, 250,000 more people could die between now and January.
“Christmas is going to be a lot harder,” Biden said during a virtual briefing to business owners. “I don’t want to scare anybody here, but understand the facts. We’re likely to lose another 250,000 people dead between now and January … because people aren’t paying attention.”
Biden said he is sharing those sacrifices with people, holding a small Thanksgiving with only his immediate family while seeing everyone else “on Zoom.”
“You cannot be traveling during these holidays, as much as you want to,” Biden said.
The comments came as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield warned Wednesday that another 200,000 COVID-19 deaths are possible in the next three months if people do not wear masks or social distance.
After talking with a group that included a school crossing guard, restaurant group owner, arena server, and a stagehand about their financial difficulties, Biden pledged to develop an economic relief plan to help people who are struggling.
Biden also called on the current Congress and President Trump to pass another bipartisan relief bill during the lame-duck session.
“It’s going to be hard as hell the next 50 to 70 days unless the House acts in some way, the Senate acts,” Biden said.
“I don’t want you giving up hope,” Biden said. “We’re going to get through this.”
