update June 30, 2026
On March 11,2021 President Biden addressed the country about the current progress of ending the COVID-19 pandemic. He said
I carry a card in my pocket with the number of Americans who have died from COVID to date. It’s on the back of my schedule. As of now, the total deaths in America: 527,726.
He announced the country will have enough vaccine for every adult to be vaccinated by the end of May 2021.
Concerning current vaccination progress, we have vaccinated 65% of people over age 65 and 70% of people over age 70. About schools, he said
with the passage of the American Rescue Plan — I thank the House and Senate for passing it — and my…. plan to vaccinate teachers and school staff….. we can accelerate the massive, nationwide effort to reopen our schools safely and meet my goal… of opening the majority of K-8 schools in my first 100 days in office. This is going to be the number one priority of my new Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona.
In his 2023 State of the Union Address, President Joe Biden said,
let’s recognize how far we came in the fight against the pandemic itself.
While the virus is not gone, thanks to the resilience of the American people and the ingenuity of medicine, we’ve broken the COVID grip on us.
COVID deaths are down by 90 percent. We’ve saved millions of lives and opened up our country — we opened our country back up.
And soon, we’ll end the public health emergency.
But we will remember the toll and pain that will never go away for so many. More than 1 million Americans have lost their lives to COVID.
Families grieving. Children orphaned. Empty chairs at the dining room table.
We remember them, and we remain vigilant.
Thanks to usnews.com for publishing the complete transcript of his speech at this link.
President Joe Biden on the Coronavirus Pandemic
2020-The Biden-Harris Plan
During their campaign for the White House, Mr. Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, posted a 7-point plan to confront and control COVID-19.
2021-National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness
(This report was available at whitehouse.gov but is no longer active.)
President Biden, Vice President Harris, and their science and healthcare teams developed a plan with 7 goals to end the pandemic and prevent others. . Here is a list of the 7 goals with a few of the points of each goal.
1. Restore trust with the American people.
- establishes a federal COVID-19 response team to coordinate efforts
- regular public briefings led by science experts
- track and make data available to the public by the CDC
2.Mount a safe, effective, and comprehensive vaccination campaign.
- increase the production of vaccines
- give states clearer projections on vaccine availability
- partner with states to create more vaccine centers
- launch a national campaign to educate and encourage Americans on vaccine
3. Mitigate spread through expanding masking, testing, data, treatments,health care workforce, and clear public health standards.
- asking Americans to wear masks for 100 days (note-this adds to any state or local recommendations or mandates on mask use)
- require masks on public transportation
- the CDC develop guidelines to help schools and businesses to reopen
- create programs to develop new treatments for COVID-19
4.Immediately expand emergency relief and exercise the Defence Production Act.
- increase emergency funding to the states for pandemic costs, including for PPE and use of National Guard
- invoke the Defense Production Act to increase the supply of PPE, and testing and vaccination supplies
5. Safely reopen schools, businesses, and travel while protecting workers.
- develop a national strategy to reopen most schools within 100 days
- federal agencies to issue updated guidance on protection for workers
- asks Congress to provide financial aid to schools, universities, and daycares (cost in the billions)
6. Protect those most at risk and advance equity, including across racial, ethnic and rural/urban lines.
- establishes an equity task force to address disparities based on race, ethnicity, and geography
- create a U.S. Public Health Workforce to help with testing and vaccinations in their communities
7. Restore U.S. leadership globally and build better preparedness for future threats.
- rejoin the World Health Organization
- increase humanitarian aid and support efforts to fight COVID-19 around the world
- asks for Congressional support to establish a national center to prepare for future biological threats
Life After the Pandemic
Did you expect to live during a pandemic? Probably not, I know I didn’t expect to not only live but practice medicine while a contagious virus spread through the world.
In what ways was your daily life impacted by the pandemic and how did you cope with those challenges?
What did you learn that might help you in a future medical crisis, either public or private?
If you or your family have persistent health challenges due to COVID, are you finding sources for help and support? What else might help you toward regaining health and wholeness?
Resources for Dealing with Post-COVID Health Issues
Long Covid Resources -CDC
Long Covid Alliance
RECOVER COVID Initiative
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