Biden Wants to Keep Inauguration Very Limited

Joe Biden calls on Americans to stay home when he is sworn in as president on January 20. The ceremony will be “minimal” to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as much as possible.

 

The Presidential Inauguration Committee, after consulting with health officials, has decided not to allow large crowds to enter the National Mall near the White House and the Capitol. Typically many invitees are gathered in the open air near the American parliament.

The event also attracts hundreds of thousands of interested parties. Biden and vice-president Kamala Harris-to-be will take the oath there, using “solid health and safety protocols”.

The US Center for Disease Prevention (CDC) advised against holding mass rallies in April due to health risks. President Donald Trump has regularly disregarded that advice and organized large outdoor election rallies.

The traditional parade after the inauguration will also look very different, but the committee has not yet released any details. Biden will give a speech after being sworn in as the 46th president, including on the fight against the virus.

He previously expressed the hope that Trump will be there. He has still not recognized Biden’s victory. It is still unclear whether Trump will invite Biden and his wife to the White House before the transfer of power.