WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden unveiled a team of health experts to advise the new administration’s fight against the coronavirus.
It comes as COVID-19 cases have been surging in at least 40 states with record numbers of cases over the weekend in some parts of the country.
READ: Ben Carson tests positive for COVID-19
“There’s a need for bold action to fight this pandemic,” said Biden. “We’re still facing a very dark winter.”
President-elect Biden promised to ensure public health decisions are informed by public health experts. We are making good on that promise.
— Biden-Harris Presidential Transition (@Transition46) November 9, 2020
Today, we announced a COVID-19 advisory board to provide science-based guidance for navigating this pandemic: https://t.co/z0nuAkWPcu pic.twitter.com/524nqj4IKJ
The team includes Rick Bright, a whistleblower from the Trump administration who alleges that his early warnings about the pandemic were ignored before he resigned.
It also includes a former U.S. Surgeon General and a former FDA Commissioner among other health experts.
“This group will advise on detailed plans, built on the bedrock of science,” said Biden.
READ: Global COVID-19 cases surpass 50M as total US infections near 10M
Biden said Monday his plan includes investing more money in producing personal protective equipment (PPE) and to expand testing.
Biden: “We’re going to address the health and economic disparities that mean this virus is hitting the Black, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islanders, Native American communities harder than white communities.”
— Samantha Manning (@SamManningNews) November 9, 2020
Biden also stressed the importance of everyone wearing a mask.
Congressional leaders meanwhile remain at odds over coming up with another round of coronavirus relief aid.
READ: Pfizer says early analysis shows COVID-19 vaccine over 90% effective in trial
Democrats are pushing for a large-scale package while Republicans want a more narrow proposal.
“I think we’ll have a stronger recovery if we can just get at least some more fiscal support when it’s appropriate, you know, when it’s appropriate and in the size Congress thinks it’s appropriate,” said Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
Cox Media Group
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/WZ5DBKQBMBGJTNYMRNUIFSQM74.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/ZRBUBVWFNJFXJP6ZQG2ANEROVE.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/DI5275TAIZFLDMT3MEHKLYZQOY.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/B62QQBSTIFBZJOQD2O7LFC3UCY.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/WQ27IEQX4ZCSHHOV5SDI3RPS5I.jpg)