President-elect Joe Biden spoke about 'jobs' during a press conference held on the 4th (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware, where his residence is located. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] U.S. President-elect Joe Biden stated on the 4th (local time) that he will personally receive the COVID-19 vaccine but emphasized that "there will be no mandatory vaccination."
On the 4th, at a press conference held in Delaware, Biden announced his plan to get vaccinated himself to dispel some concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine.
However, he expressed a negative stance on "mandatory vaccination." Biden said, "I will not demand that vaccination be mandatory," adding, "It's the same as not believing that mask-wearing should be nationally mandated."
This statement appears to take into account that the emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine applied for by pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech is expected to be approved around mid-month, while there remains a reluctance toward the vaccine within the United States.
Biden said, "By getting vaccinated myself, I will give confidence to those who hesitate," and added, "I will do everything within the authority of the U.S. President to encourage people to do the right thing."
Meanwhile, regarding the inauguration scheduled for January 20 next year, he said it will be conducted in a manner close to virtual due to the pandemic.
Biden explained that the likelihood of one million people gathering in front of the White House is very low, and the event will be held in a way similar to the August national convention, which was mostly conducted via virtual connections rather than a traditional inauguration.
He continued, "The first and most important goal is to allow Americans to celebrate while staying safe," and predicted, "We will see many virtual activities across the United States."
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