바이든, 당선인 첫 행보는 코로나 통제… TF 발표, 그리고 '마스크 착용 간청'<br /><br />The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hit record numbers across the United States.<br />In response, Joe Biden has launched a special COVID-19 task force that will begin operations as soon as he is inaugurated in January 2021.<br />The president-elect has also urged Americans to wear masks and stick to public health guidelines.<br />Our Han Seong-woo reports.<br />The Joe Biden Administration's 'Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board' has been unveiled.<br />Starting January 20th, the 13-member task force will help the U.S. president-elect with his goals of containing the pandemic and widely vaccinating the American public.<br />"This group will advise on detailed plans built on a bedrock of science... Making rapid testing widely available, more widely available, much more widely available, and building a core of contact tracers who will track and curb this disease while we prioritize getting vaccines first to the most at risk populations."<br />Along with its three co-chairs, the board includes Trump administration whistleblower and former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Rick Bright.<br />The unveiling comes amid what Biden referred to as (quote) "a dark winter" at a briefing on Monday, local time.<br />With over 100-thousand daily infections, the U.S. has reached the 10-million mark in total cases.<br />Cautiously optimistic of recent developments in the search for a vaccine, Biden stressed that mask-wearing is, for now, the most potent weapon against the virus.<br />"I implore you, wear a mask, do it for yourself, do it for your neighbor. A mask is not a political statement, but it is a good way to start pulling the country together."<br />Once inaugurated, Biden plans to implement mask mandates nationwide and has vowed to invest 25 billion U.S. dollars in a vaccine manufacturing and distribution plan... that will guarantee every American is vaccinated free of charge.<br />Meanwhile, Biden's transition team is demanding that the General Services Administration recognize that he has won the election.<br />It has even warned of legal action if the agency fails to officially declare Biden's victory.<br />Without a declaration, the incoming presidency lacks access to certain funds and information, slowing its ability to shift policy direction.<br />Han Seong-woo, Arirang News.<br />
