Biden inauguration will be scaled down amid COVID, aide says
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[November 23, 2020]
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The
inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden will be a scaled-down version
of the usual traditions that will not endanger Americans health amid the
coronavirus pandemic, a top aide said on Sunday.
"I think it's going to definitely have to be changed," incoming White
House Chief of Staff Ron Klain said. "Obviously, this is not going to be
the same kind of inauguration we had in the past."
The Democratic president-elect was attacked repeatedly by Republican
President Donald Trump for wearing masks and practicing other COVID
mitigation measures during the campaign for the White House.
Trump, who did not follow the same precautions, contracted COVID-19
himself in early October, and there have been multiple outbreaks among
White House staff and in his own family.
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Klain said Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would continue
stressing safe practices when they take office on Jan. 20, but would not
elaborate on details.
Presidential inaugurations traditionally have featured a swearing-in and
speech by the new president at the U.S. Capitol before crowds backed
onto the National Mall, as well as lunch with lawmakers and a parade to
the White House.
Biden's team is consulting with leaders in the House of Representatives
and Senate on details and best practices, said Klain.
The result will likely be a "scaled down versions of the existing
traditions," he told ABC's "This Week."
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![](../images/112320pics/news_h13.jpg)
Vice President Joe Biden is sworn in as his wife Jill watches during
the inauguration ceremony for President Barack Obama in Washington
January 20, 2009. REUTERS/Jim Bourg/File Photo
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Klain referred to the spontaneous "dancing in the streets" that
broke out after Biden's victory was declared on Nov. 7, four days
after the election after a record number of mail-in ballots were
tabulated across the country.
"We know people want to celebrate. There is something here to
celebrate," he said. "We just want to try to find a way to do it as
safely as possible."
(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
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