Virtual Parade with Masks... How COVID-19 Changed the US Presidential Inauguration Ceremony

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The inauguration ceremony of newly elected U.S. President Joe Biden was simplified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade event welcoming the new president was converted to a virtual format, and strict quarantine measures were applied.

On the 20th (local time) in Washington DC, only a limited number of guests attended President Biden's inauguration. The crowds that usually filled Washington DC parks and streets during past inaugurations watched the event through broadcasts and online live streams, according to local media such as CNN.

Typically, 200,000 admission tickets are distributed for U.S. presidential inaugurations, but this year the number was drastically reduced to about 1,000. Only two tickets, including one for themselves, were allocated to members of Congress.

Compared to past inaugurations where some guests who could not secure seats on the outdoor stage west of the Capitol had to watch from standing-only sections, the situation was completely different, USA Today reported. The National Mall, which attracted 450,000 spectators during Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration, was completely closed to the public this time.

Senior officials aged 70 and above did not attend the inauguration due to concerns about COVID-19 infection and health issues. Former President Jimmy Carter, aged 97 this year, who had never missed a new president's inauguration since leaving office, did not attend this time. Three federal Supreme Court justices in their 70s and 80s?Clarence Thomas, Stephen Breyer, and Samuel Alito?also did not attend due to health reasons.

Mask-wearing and social distancing measures were also enforced. All attendees, including President Biden and the First Lady, wore masks. Seats placed behind the inauguration stage were spaced 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) apart. It was also rare to see attendees greeting each other with hugs.