In a series of executive orders released before taking office Tuesday, President Joseph Biden took several steps to address the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including issuing a mask challenge, re-engaging with the World Health Organization (WHO), and coordinating a unified national response.
The president’s “100 Days Masking Challenge,” encourages Americans to wear masks for 100 days, and an executive order requires “masks and physical distancing in all federal buildings, on all federal lands, and by federal employees and contractors,” according to a fact sheet released early Tuesday.
The document also says Anthony Fauci, MD, will lead a U.S. delegation that will participate in this week’s WHO Executive Board meeting.
“Once the United States resumes its engagement with the WHO, the Biden-Harris Administration will work with the WHO and our partners to strengthen and reform the organization, support the COVID-19 health and humanitarian response, and advance global health and health security,” the document said.
In addition, President Biden will create a national COVID-19 Response Coordinator position “responsible for coordinating all elements of the COVID-19 response across government, including managing efforts to produce, supply, and distribute personal protective equipment, vaccines, and tests.”
Help spread the message about the importance of wearing masks by participating in the Texas Medical Association’s “Texas Strong” media campaign, which includes reminders to post your personal and practice social media accounts. The campaign also features YouTube ads – narrated in English by Grammy award-winning musician Lyle Lovett and in Spanish by singer-songwriter Lisa Morales – for you to share on social media.
Last Updated On
January 20, 2021
Originally Published On
January 20, 2021