WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Joe Biden will order states to make all adults eligible for COVID-19 vaccines by May 1 and use his first prime-time speech to say that he expects life to return closer to normal by the end of the year. Fourth of July holiday, according to two senior White House officials.
In a speech on Thursday night, marking the anniversary of the coronavirus blockade, Biden will offer hope and warnings, officials said.
Families and friends will be able to gather for barbecues to celebrate the July 4th Independence Day holiday, but only if they continue to adhere to health guidelines and take advantage of an increasing supply of vaccines.
“The president is going to talk about small meetings like a barbecue in his backyard, in his neighborhood. He will make it clear that it does not mean big events where many people get together, but it does mean that we can once again have an Independence Day, small get-togethers and celebrations. And this is a big step in the right direction, ”said a senior advisor.
Biden will order states to eliminate current rules around vaccine eligibility that prioritize different groups, underscoring the administration’s confidence that there will be enough vaccine for everyone.
Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Jeff Mason; Editing by Leslie Adler and Peter Cooney