Biden: "90% of the Entire Population to Be Vaccinated Nationwide by the 19th of Next Month"

Vaccination Target Moved Up Again
Calls to Halt Mask Mandate and Economic Reopening Expansion
CDC Director: "4th Wave Possible... Doom Imminent"
US New Infections Resurge

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden has once again accelerated the COVID-19 vaccination plan. Initially, the goal was to vaccinate 100 million people by the 100th day of his presidency at the end of next month, but now by the 19th of next month, 90% of the entire population will be eligible for vaccination. However, despite the aggressive vaccination efforts, concerns are growing as new COVID-19 infections are spreading again.

On the 29th (local time), President Biden said, "The COVID-19 vaccines currently available are sufficient to vaccinate 90% of the entire population starting from the 19th of next month." He added that 90% of Americans will be able to receive the vaccine at vaccination sites within 5 miles (8 km) of their residences.

President Biden initially aimed to vaccinate 100 million people by the 100th day of his presidency at the end of next month, but on the 11th, he advanced the plan to make all adults aged 18 and older eligible for vaccination by May 1.

President Biden also emphasized, "It will take some time to make vaccination appointments, but eligibility will be granted before May."

The state of New York also announced on the same day that it will expand vaccine eligibility to residents aged 30 and older starting from the 30th of this month, and to all residents aged 16 and older starting from the 6th of next month.

President Biden described the rapid spread of COVID-19 despite the expanded vaccine distribution as a competition between living and dying, saying, "There is hope because we have vaccines, and that is a good thing, but it is very bad for people to loosen preventive measures. We all have to do our part."

President Biden also argued for delaying economic reopening and mandating mask-wearing. When asked if state governments should halt economic reopening, he answered, "Yes." He also pressured governors who lifted mask mandates by saying, "Wearing masks is patriotic."

Before President Biden, Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expressed concerns about a possible fourth wave. She said, "Disaster is imminent," adding, "There are many reasons for hope, but I am afraid. Inaction is a luxury we cannot afford. We must cooperate now to prevent a fourth resurgence."

New COVID-19 infections in the U.S. had dropped to 30,000 per day in mid-April but have recently risen to around 60,000 per day.