Biden says he plans to ask Americans to wear masks during his first 100 days in office

President-elect Joe Biden said Thursday he plans to ask the nation to wear masks during his first 100 days in office. Speaking to CNN, Mr Biden also said he would issue a standing order imposing masks in certain locations.

“Just 100 days to hide. Not forever – 100 days,” Mr. Biden said. “I think we’ll see a significant reduction if that happens with vaccinations and masking, to bring the numbers down dramatically.”

Mr Biden has raised the possibility of a nationwide mask mandate in the past, but has reduced that rhetoric somewhat as he does not appear to have the power to authorize such a broad mandate. Mr Biden said he will issue an order that masks must be worn in federal buildings and interstate transportation, such as planes and buses crossing state lines.

Masks, when properly made and warned, help slow the spread of COVID-19 virus that killed more than 275,000 Americans.

Mr Biden also told CNN that he had asked infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci to remain director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as well as serve as Mr. Biden and be part of the administration’s new COVID-19 response team.

Mr Biden did not say whether Fauci agreed, but Fauci has already said he would “absolutely” be a part of Mr Biden’s COVID-19 task force if asked. Fauci has been Director of NIAID since 1984.

Fauci, who became the director of NIAID in 1984, told CBS News he was meeting with Biden’s transition team on Thursday for the first time to discuss his response to the coronavirus pandemic. He stressed that the transition process will be essential to ensure that Mr Biden can act from day one.

“Having served six jurisdictions, I’ve been through five transitions, and I know transitions are really important if you’re going to get a smooth handover of responsibility,” Fauci said.

Mr Biden stressed his confidence in Fauci during the interview, promising he would take a coronavirus vaccine once Dr Fauci says it is safe. Mr Biden also said he would be open to getting the vaccine in the public eye after the three most recent former presidents said they would receive the vaccine on video.

“When Dr. Fauci says we have a safe vaccine, this is the time when I stand in front of the public,” Biden said, adding, “It is important to communicate to the American people that it is safe. is sure to do it. ”

The first doses of COVID-19 are expected to reach vulnerable Americans this month.