Day 97: Un-Mask

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Small groups of vaccinated people may now gather in the United States, President Joe Biden said today from the North Lawn of the White House, echoing an announcement from the Centers for Disease Control.

“I want to be absolutely clear: If you’re in a crowd, like a stadium or at a conference or a concert, you still need to wear a mask even if you’re outside,” Biden said. “But beginning today, gathering with a group of friends in a park, going for a picnic — as long as you are vaccinated and outdoors — you can do it without a mask.”

Cases and deaths are “down dramatically,” since Inauguration Day, he reported. Some 215 million vaccines have been given and data even shows equity among the percentage of African American, Latino and White seniors who’ve received a vaccine.

“Next week, I’ll be laying out the path ahead to continue our fight against COVID-19 to get us to July 4th,” Biden said. “This is our target date to get life in America closer to normal and to begin to celebrate our independence from the virus together with our friends and loved ones as we — to celebrate Independence Day.”

The “stunning progress” has put the U.S. in position to lend support other countries, too.

“With regard to India, I spoke at length with Modi, the Prime Minister,” Biden said. “We are sending immediately a whole series of help that he needs,” including remdesivir, mechanical parts to manufacture their own vaccines, and actual vaccines, when available.

“That’s the hope and expectation,” he said. “And I might add, when we were in a bind at the very beginning, India helped us.”

Biden also signed an executive order for a $15 minimum wage for federal workers, including nursing and food services staff for the military, to go into effect starting January 2022.

“Raising the minimum wage enhances worker productivity and generates higher-quality work by boosting workers’ health, morale, and effort; reducing absenteeism and turnover; and lowering supervisory and training costs,” the order states.

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Day 98: Presidential Address to Congress

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Day 96: Workforce Support