President-Elect Joe Biden has stated throughout his campaign the changes and plans he has for stopping COVID-19 in its tracks. Biden has outlined a list of items that he will focus on once he takes office. This list includes, but is not limited to, increased testing and contact tracing, increased investment in vaccines, mandatory masks, and increased PPE. Biden has been an avid promoter of mask wearing and social distancing. If 95% of Americans wore a face mask, it is estimated that more than 100,000 lives could be saved. Since early 2020 there has also been a fairly consistent shortage of PPE. Re-using protective equipment does not only harm patients. This also harms the medical professionals themselves, sometimes leading to hospitalization or death. The Biden administration plans to ensure national supply is fully stocked.

He also hopes to pass an emergency fund for schools to pay for necessary pandemic supplies as well as creating a “restart package” for small businesses. All things considered, Biden is pushing for the CDC to take on an increased role to ensure evidence-based guidance is being provided. Biden also plans to rejoin the World Health Organization.

Learn more about the Biden administration’s plan for ending COVID-19.