Biden: "Small Private Gatherings Allowed Starting from July Independence Day"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] U.S. President Joe Biden promised on the 11th (local time), the first anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the COVID-19 pandemic, that "this year's Independence Day (July 4) will allow small private gatherings with family and acquaintances."

In a national address that day, President Biden stated, "I will order all states to make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1." The White House has set the upcoming Independence Day as the starting point for returning to normal life.

A government official explained to CNN that the "private gatherings" mentioned by President Biden refer to small gatherings such as backyard barbecue parties, adding, "It is not a large-scale gathering, but people will be able to enjoy more 'independence' than last year's Independence Day."

The United States is currently conducting vaccinations by priority according to each state. Healthcare workers, seniors aged 65 and older, and people with underlying conditions are prioritized for vaccination.

Accordingly, the White House has launched a full-scale effort to increase vaccination rates. The U.S. government is also authorizing dentists, optometrists, veterinarians, and others to administer vaccines. Federal large-scale vaccination centers will be expanded twofold, and an additional 6,000 personnel, including 4,000 military members, will be deployed. Furthermore, to increase vaccination rates among low-income groups, people of color, and rural farming and fishing communities, over the next six weeks, more than 700 community healthcare facilities will receive additional vaccine supplies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.