President Joe Biden wants to give Independence Day new meaning this year by encouraging nationwide celebrations to mark the country’s effective return to normal after a 16-month disruption from the coronavirus pandemic.
The White House has shown increasing certainty that July 4 will be a watershed moment in the nation’s recovery, even though the United States is not expected to reach its goal of vaccinating 70% of adults before the holiday.
As COVID-19 case and death rates drop to record levels since the early days of the outbreak, travel increases and schools and businesses reopen, Biden proclaimed that this will be “a summer of freedom” to celebrate Americans they resume their pre-pandemic lives.
CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVES
By July 4, Biden could celebrate his most significant event as he plans to host first responders, essential workers, and military service members and their families on the south lawn of the federal government headquarters where he would host a cookout and they would watch fireworks on the National Mall alongside him. More than 1,000 guests are expected to attend, officials linked to the festivities said.
The plan shows the dramatic change in posture since Biden took office as just three months ago, he cautiously expressed some hope that people would be able to engage in outdoor activities by the Fourth of July, which to date and speed. reopening is laughable.
“By July 4, chances are good that you, your families and friends can get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout and barbecue and celebrate Independence Day,” he said on 11 July. March on the anniversary of the pandemic.
POSTPANDEMIC IS COMING
For most Americans that reopening goal was reached last month, Memorial Day weekend, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed rules on wearing face masks for people. fully vaccinated and the restrictions associated with the virus at the state and local levels changed.
Officials say July 4 will serve as the unofficial start of a new phase in the US pandemic response, as the federal government seeks to turn the page on the national public health crisis and seeks to focus on economic and civic resurgence in the country and support global vaccination.
The White House expects the July 4 celebrations to be replicated across the country after last year saw the massive cancellation of the July 4 festivities, said two White House officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.