Biden administrator feared UN meeting would become a ‘super-broadcaster’ of COVID-19

The Biden administration has raised concerns about this year’s United Nations General Assembly, saying it has the potential to become a COVID-19 “high-profile event” as world leaders meet in New York, according to a CBS News report.

“We are concerned that the UN event is a mass-market event and that we need to take all measures to ensure that it does not become a mass-market event,” said Linda Thomas- Greenfield, President Joe Biden’s ambassador to the UN, according to CBS News.

BORDER FLOODED BY HUNDREDS OF MIGRANTS CROSSING TEXAS

Unlike last year’s biggest gathering of world leaders, this year’s attendees have the option to video message or appear in person. Thomas-Greenfield had previously urged diplomats from other countries to send in videos, but more than 100 executives, including Biden, are expected to attend the event to deliver in-person speeches.

Earlier this month, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s international affairs office and the city’s health commissioner sent a letter to Abdulla Shahid, president-elect of the General Assembly, saying the event would be covered by a local law requiring vaccines for certain dining and entertainment venues.

According to the letter, these selected indoor venues “also include ‘convention centers’, and the United Nations General Assembly Hall is considered a convention center.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“The key to New York. When you hear these words, I want you to imagine the idea that because someone is vaccinated, they can do all of the amazing things that are available in New York,” de Blasio said during of a press conference. when he announced the local law. “It is a miraculous place, literally full of wonders, and if you are vaccinated, this will all open up to you. You will have the key, you will be able to open the door.”

“But if you are not vaccinated, unfortunately you will not be able to participate in a lot of things,” he added.

Jair Bolsonaro, president of Brazil, also said he would attend the United Nations General Assembly in person because he has had antibodies since contracting the coronavirus last year, flouting local law.