The coronavirus pandemic is at a crossroads, and so is President Joe Biden’s messaging strategy, as the public and the White House hope to move past the virus after 18 months of upheaval.

Biden is particularly eager to look beyond the current pandemic, meeting with top scientist Eric Lander on Wednesday to discuss the country’s preparedness for future public health emergencies. The pivot helps Democrats competing in the 2022 midterm election cycle, but it may be premature as the delta variant spreads across the country.