Biden Targets 100 Million Covid-19 Vaccine Injections In His First 100 Days As President

Joe Biden (Photo: Wikimedia commons)

JAKARTA - President-elect of the United States (US) Joe Biden outlined his plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. His plans were announced when he introduced a team designed to contain the pandemic with a target of 100 million Americans being vaccinated in his first 100 days as president.

To quote CNN, Wednesday December 9th, Biden's plan came on the same day US President Donald Trump signed the executive order. The executive order prioritizes shipping the COVID-19 vaccine in the US before any other country.

"My first 100 days will not end the COVID-19 virus. I can't promise that," Biden said at an event in Wilmington, Delaware. "But we will not continue to be involved in this mess, we will not come out soon, it will take time. But I firmly believe that in 100 days we can change the course of disease and change life in America for the better."

Last week, Biden said he would ask Americans to wear masks during his first 100 days in office. On Tuesday 8 December, Biden said his administration would prioritize vaccinating health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities. This is according to a vaccine advisor's recommendation to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Biden also said he would vaccinate educators as soon as possible.

Biden has introduced a top member of his health team who will lead the response to the pandemic that has killed more than 284,000 people in the US. In addition to a target of at least 100 million vaccine shots, Biden reiterated his promise to sign a mask mandate on his first day in office.

While Biden cannot unilaterally ask every US citizen to wear a mask, Biden can request the use of masks in places such as federal buildings and on planes, trains, and buses traveling between states.

Another national priority plan of the health team is to return the children to school safely. He said if Congress provided the funds needed to protect students, educators and staff as well as state cities that enforced health measures, Biden's health team would work to ensure that most schools could open by the end of Biden's first 100 days of work.

Biden repeated his call for Congress to jointly pass a $ 900 billion COVID-19 economic aid bill to support US citizens who are struggling to reopen businesses and schools safely. He said that while immediate funding was essential, his administration would take additional action to support US citizens and fund vaccine distribution efforts.

The former Vice President has long praised the importance and efficacy of wearing masks in stopping the spread of the virus, in stark contrast to Trump.

Since the pandemic began, Trump has underestimated his own medical experts and sidelined scientists' advice. Trump has refused to take basic steps to control the virus, notably refusing to wear masks in public for several months and holding major campaigns without social distancing.

Biden, by contrast, has long promised to listen to the advice of scientists and public health experts about the pandemic. He wears a mask at public events and stresses the importance of adhering to public health guidelines.