The Guardian
At national address, Biden tells states to make all adult vaccines eligible by May 1
The President warns Americans ‘it’s not time to give up’ in the first prime-time speech on the anniversary of the pandemic, Joe Biden ordered states to make all American adults eligible for coronavirus vaccines by May 1 and set an audacious goal July 4th for meetings to celebrate the “independence” of the deadly pandemic. But in his first prime-time speech, which marked the anniversary of the United States’ strike, the president warned that restrictions could be reinstated if the country drops its guard against the virus. “Tonight, I am announcing that I will direct all states, tribes and territories to make all adults – people aged 18 and over – eligible to be vaccinated by May 1,” said Biden in the east room of the White House. “This is much earlier than expected.” He went on to make it clear that this does not mean that everyone can receive their injection in the arm, but at least they can be put on a waiting list. It meant the growing confidence of a government that Biden said he remains “up in arms to get the job done”. The president said his goal of 100 million doses of vaccine in its first 100 days has already been exceeded, with the United States now on track to reach that number on its 60th day. In a 24-minute speech that carefully balanced caution and optimism, Biden also announced that the federal government will create a website before May 1 to help people find vaccination locations and schedule appointments. He promised that he would “not give in” until the virus was defeated, but he needs every American to “do his part”. He then offered a tangible target with emotional resonance: “If we do this together, until the 4th of July, there is a good chance that you, your families and friends, can get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a barbecue or a barbecue and celebrate independence day. “He added:” After this long and difficult year, it will make this independence day something truly special, where we not only mark our independence as a nation, but we begin to mark our independence from this virus. ” Trump was frequently criticized last year for setting extremely optimistic dates for the reopening of businesses and schools. With many states already removing restrictions again, Biden struggled to say that the fight is far from over. “Because if we don’t stay vigilant and conditions change, we may have to re-establish restrictions to get back on track,” he warned. “Please, we don’t want to do this again. We have made a lot of progress. It is not time to give up. ”Wearing a black mask, dark suit, white shirt, striped tie and white scarf in his shirt pocket, Biden climbed a red carpet flanked by flags to deliver the speech – the first live on East Room television since Donald Trump falsely claimed election victory at 2:20 am on November 4. Joe Biden has pledged to direct states to make all American adults eligible for coronavirus vaccines by May. Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images In comments that were rooted in empathy and seemed to include some improvisation, the president took some pictures to minimize his predecessor’s virus and hesitate about wearing a mask – although he did not mention it by Trump by name. “A year ago, we were hit by a virus that was received with silence and spread unchecked, denials for days, weeks and then months,” said Biden. “This led to more deaths, more infections, more stress and more loneliness. Photos and videos from 2019 seem to have been taken in another time. The last vacation, the last birthday with friends, the last vacation with relatives. “Although it was different for everyone, we all lost something – a collective suffering, a collective sacrifice, a year full of loss of life and life for all of us. But with the loss, we saw how much there was to gain in appreciation, respect and gratitude. Finding light in the dark is a very American thing. In fact, it may be the most American thing we do. ”Biden reached into his pocket and took out a card on which he keeps a continuous total of the number killed by the virus. He said 527,726 Americans lost their lives on Thursday night. “There are more deaths than in World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War and 9/11 together.” Early White House projections based on expert models suggested that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans could die from the virus. Biden, whose own life was marked by tragedy, also reflected on the impact of job losses, company closings, evictions and children who go a year without going to school. “It is the details of life that matter most, and we miss those details, the great details and the small moments, weddings, birthdays, graduations, all the things that needed to happen, but they didn’t happen. “The first meeting, the family meetings, the Sunday night rituals. All of this cost the psyche of many of us terribly … The things that we used to do and that always filled us with joy became things that we couldn’t do and broke our hearts ”. The president condemned partisanship that undermined the response to the United States pandemic and led to racist violence. “Many times, we turn against each other. A mask, the easiest thing to do to save lives, sometimes divides us. States fight against each other instead of working with each other. Violent hate crimes against Asian Americans who were attacked, persecuted, accused and used as a scapegoat. ”Biden did not recognize the previous government’s investment in Operation Warp Speed to produce vaccines, a sore spot among Trump’s alumni. Kayleigh McEnany, a former White House press secretary, tweeted: “Even the media acknowledges the role of the Trump administration in leading the development and procurement of vaccines … but President Biden REFUSES to tell the truth.” Biden spoke hours after signing a $ 1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill passed by Democrats in Congress without Republican votes. Noting another positive note, he said: “After long and dark years, an entire year, there is light and hope for better days if we all do our part. This country will be vaccinated soon. Our economy will be recovering. Our children will be back to school. “