On January 20, President-elect Biden, 78, and Vice-President-elect Harris, 56, will take their oaths of office at the US Capitol during a historic ceremony that includes vigorous health and safety protocols.
President-elect Biden will also deliver an inaugural address that lays out his vision to beat the virus, build back better, and bring the country together.
“The JCCIC, in consultation with diversified public health and medical experts and the Presidential Inaugural Committee has determined that this global pandemic and the rise in COVID-19 cases warranted a difficult decision to limit attendance at the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies to a live audience that resembles a State of the Union,” said JCCIC Chairman Roy Blunt.
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will have a low-key inauguration on January 20, and the event will be restricted for the public, the organisers said. They urged the citizens to participate in the historic affair from home in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), responsible for the planning and execution of the inaugural ceremonies of the president-elect and vice president-elect of the US at the Capitol, on Wednesday said that invitations to members of the 117th Congress will be limited to themselves and one guest.
“Our goal is to create an inauguration that keeps people safe, honours the grand traditions of the Presidency, and showcases the Biden-Harris Administration s renewed American vision for an inclusive, equitable, and unified citizenry,” said Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC)CEO Tony Allen.