Biden inaugural planners urge Americans to stay home, limit gatherings during ceremony

 WASHINGTON – The committee planning President-elect Joe Biden’s inaugural is urging Americans not to travel to Washington for the festivities but to participate in the celebration virtually.

Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in Jan. 20 in a ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol that will include vigorous health and safety protocols because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Tuesday.

Biden will deliver an inaugural address that lays out his vision for beating the virus, building back better and bringing the country together, the committee said.

The ceremony’s footprint will be limited, and the traditional inaugural parade that follows will be reimagined, the committee said.

“The pandemic is continuing to have a significant public health impact across the nation,” said David Kessler, a former surgeon general and the committee’s chief medical advisor.

“Americans everywhere must do their part to slow the spread of the virus: wear masks, stay home, and limit gatherings,” Kessler said. “We are asking Americans to participate in inaugural events from home to protect themselves, their families, friends and communities.”