President-elect Joe Biden’s inaugural committee is encouraging Americans to stay home for his swearing-in ceremony rather than traveling to the nation’s capital.
“President-elect [Joe Biden] and Vice President-elect [Kamala Harris] will be inaugurated during a time of unprecedented crisis for our country,” the committee wrote on Twitter Tuesday. “It is their top priority to protect the health and safety of Americans, while demonstrating the strength and resilience of our country.”
It added, “While the inauguration will look different, we will continue to honor the inaugural traditions Americans have always known: an official outdoor swearing-in ceremony, community service events, a reimagined parade, and virtual celebrations that bring the country together.”
The committee invited all Americans to “be a part of this inauguration by watching from home, rather than traveling to Washington, DC, in accordance with public health guidelines.”
It is their top priority to protect the health and safety of Americans, while demonstrating the strength and resilience of our country. (2/5)
— Biden Inaugural Committee (@BidenInaugural) December 15, 2020
We're inviting all Americans to be a part of this inauguration by watching from home, rather than traveling to Washington, DC, in accordance with public health guidelines. (4/5)
— Biden Inaugural Committee (@BidenInaugural) December 15, 2020
The CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), Tony Allen, explained in a statement the plan is to honor the inaugural traditions while providing a safe space for Americans to enjoy it.
“Our goal is to create an inauguration that keeps people safe, honors the grand traditions of the Presidency, and showcases the Biden-Harris Administration’s renewed American vision for an inclusive, equitable, and unified citizenry,” Allen said in a statement.
The Executive Director of PIC, Maju Varghese, reiterated the former vice president plans to prioritize the health of Americans.
“President-elect Biden’s unwavering commitment to the safety of the American people is our North Star as we plan an inauguration that protects public health while honoring inaugural traditions and engaging Americans across the country,” Varghese said.
PIC Chief Medical Advisor Dr. David Kessler reminded Americans they “must do their part to slow the spread of the virus: wear masks, stay home, and limit gatherings.”
Biden is scheduled to be sworn in as the 46th president on Jan. 20.