Joe Biden has promised to distribute “100 million shots” of COVID-19 vaccine in the “first 100 days” of his presidency.
Mr Biden, who will take over as US president from Donald Trump in January, was speaking as he introduced his pandemic response team.
He said that Americans should wear masks for 100 days to prevent the coronavirus from spreading and that he would make this mandatory on public transport and in federal buildings.
“In 100 days, we can change the course of the disease and change life in America for the better,” he said, adding: “Whatever your politics or point of view, mask up for 100 days.”
Mr Biden also said he believed the virus could be well enough under control to allow the “majority” of schools to be reopened during his first 100 days as president.
He said: “My first 100 days won’t end the COVID-19 virus. I can’t promise that.
“But we did not get into this mess quickly. We’re not going to get out of it quickly. It’s going to take some time.”❐
