Daily US Times: US President Joe Biden has said he is hopeful that America can mark ”Independence Day” from coronavirus pandemic on 4 July if people get vaccinated.
Mr Biden said in his first primetime address as president that he would order states to make all adults eligible for vaccinations by 1 May.
Current measures prioritise people by health condition or age.
His speech comes a year to the day the coronavirus outbreak was classified as a pandemic. Half a million Americans have died from the disease.
All US major sport was cancelled last March and actor Tom Hanks announced he had caught the virus. Then-President Donald Trump suspended travel from Europe, and also said he hoped the United States would be open again for Easter.
President Biden also said in his speech that he eyed an important date in the calendar for when small groups could get together again.
The US president said: “If we do this together, by 4 July, there is a good chance you, your family and friends can get together in your backyard and celebrate Independence Day.”
Mr Biden said that the country would be able to not only celebrate Independence Day but also “independence from this virus”.
As part of the plans to expand Covid-19 vaccinations, the number of places where people can be vaccinated will be increased with veterinarians and dentists among those also allowed to vaccinate people.
Biden said that mobile units will travel into local communities to provide vaccinations in underserved communities.
He set a target of 100 million vaccinations by his 100th day in office but in his address, he said this target would be reached on day 60.
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