Biden sights on new goal: Independence Day victory over COVID-19

As the U.S. reaches the set goal of 100 million vaccinations in the administration’s first 100 days, President Joe Biden proposes a new objective: independence from the virus by July 4.

President Joe Biden participates in a tour of the Pfizer manufacturing facility Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)

By Matthew Royer, Staff Writer

This past week, President Joe Biden promised the nation there is light at the end of the tunnel as the United States marked the anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic.

On March 11, Biden spoke to the nation and presented his plan to celebrate Independence Day as a celebration of the country, as well as independence from the ongoing pandemic. His plan focuses on getting people vaccinated, following CDC guidelines and following proper health procedures. It comes as the country recovered partially from an uprise in cases that followed the holiday season.

The U.S. hit an important milestone on March 13 — 100 million vaccinations administered throughout the country. According to the CDC, around 23 percent of the population has received at least one dose of one of the three approved vaccines. At the beginning of his presidency, Biden promised the American people that he would vaccinate 100 Americans in his first 100 days. According to CBS News, the administration reached the goal weeks early on March 19. In his first primetime address to the nation as president on March 11, Biden shared his vision on how the nation can return to normal.

“I need you to get vaccinated when it’s your turn,” said Biden, “and when you can find an opportunity, and to help your family and friends and neighbors get vaccinated as well.”

The commander-in-chief used the speech to pledge to the country that if the country works together, the nation will be able to return to normal. Biden gave hope for a complete rebound by July 4.

“If we do all this, if we do our part, if we do this together,” remarked Biden. “By July the 4th, there’s a good chance you, your families, and friends will be able to get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout and a barbeque and celebrate Independence Day.”

With the passage and signing of the American Rescue Plan of 2021, according to the BBC, the U.S. is on pace to partially recover its economy and vaccinate more than 200 million Americans by July 4.

Among other issues touched on by Biden, the president also directed all 50 states, territories and tribal nations to make vaccines available to all adult citizens by May 1. In his speech, Biden was hopeful that his objectives could be met.

“After this long hard year, that will make this Independence Day something truly special,” Biden said. “Where we not only mark our independence as a nation, but we begin to mark our independence from this virus.”