On Thursday evening, President Joe Biden delivered his first prime-time address from the East Room of the White House. His speech came only hours after the signing of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, which includes direct funding to assist in the advancement of vaccine distributions as well as the reopening of schools and businesses. To promote the coronavirus relief package, President Biden and Vice President Harris (along with their spouses) will travel to around the United States on what is known as the “Help is Here Tour.”

Biden’s speech marked the anniversary of the evolution of the virus into an epidemic; exactly one year ago, President Donald Trump addressed the nation to signify the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global pandemic. As of now, over 530,000 deaths and 29.3 million cases have been reported in the United States as a result of COVID-19.

“There is light at the end of this dark tunnel over the past year. We cannot let our guard down now or assume that victory is inevitable,” Biden stressed in the Wednesday briefing.

Despite the optimism many Americans feel as they hope for the end of the pandemic to arrive soon, Biden insisted that everyone must remain in compliance with the coronavirus regulations so that the country does not hinder the progress it has made so far.

During his speech, Biden revealed his goal for America to be able to meet in small family gatherings to celebrate July 4th and to, “not only mark our independence as a nation, but mark our independence from this virus.”

To accomplish this goal, Biden warned that it would require the cooperation of all Americans to continue socially distancing, wearing masks, and receiving vaccinations. The Biden administration will work to direct states, tribes, and territories to allow all American adults to be eligible for vaccines by May 1st. The president also aims to release a federally supported website by the beginning of May to provide possible locations and appointments for users to get vaccinated. More shots will be available at pharmacies and vaccination centers, and the broadened range of medical staff qualified to administer shots will utilize the help of paramedics, veterinarians, and dentists as well. To clear up confusion regarding post-vaccination activities, Biden confirmed that CDC will issue guidelines that will detail safe practices in the coming weeks.

While a majority of Biden’s speech revolved around addressing the nation’s status in the coronavirus pandemic, the president also denounced the crimes being committed against Asian Americans. Attackers harass and blame them for the coronavirus, which originated in China, even though many Asian Americans are fighting to protect the United States from the virus.

Biden emphasized, “So many of them are fellow Americans are on the frontlines of this pandemic trying to save lives – and still are forced to live in fear for their lives just walking down streets in America.”

President Biden called for the immediate end of such attacks, categorizing them as vicious hate crimes that attempt to use Asian Americans as scapegoats. By condemning such actions, Biden has shown that racism against any ethnicity is intolerable in America.