JOE BIDEN has suggested that by Independence Day, Americans could be free from most of the shackles of the coronavirus pandemic, if everyone pulls together.
During a White House address on Thursday, the president urged his fellow citizens to get vaccinated as soon as they could, and to encourage their friends and family to do the same.
He said that if this happens, "by July the 4th there's a good chance you, your families and friends will be able to get together in your backyard and have a cookout and a barbecue to celebrate Independence Day."
BIDEN: "If we do our part... by July 4, there's a good chance you, your families, and friends will be able to get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout or a barbecue and celebrate Independence Day... Small groups will be able to get together" pic.twitter.com/j6PQwbN4qg
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) March 12, 2021
Biden warned that "large events" likely won't be able to happen, but that "small groups" would be allowed to get together and begin to enjoy life just as they did pre-pandemic.
"After this long, hard year, that will make this Independence Day something truly special, where we not only mark our independence as a nation, but we begin to mark our independence from this virus," he stressed.
"But to get there, we can't let our guard down. This fight is far from over.
"But I'll tell you the truth, July 4th with your loved ones in the goal.
"I need you. I need every American to their part. And that's not hyperbole. I need you.
"I need you to get vaccinated when it's your turn and when you can find an opportunity, and to help your family, your friends, your neighbours get vaccinated as well."