President Biden, Gov. Northam celebrate Virginia reopening, lifting restrictions
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - President Joe Biden joined Virginia Governor Ralph Northam for a victory lap on the fight against coronavirus.
“We’re getting our lives back. Stores and restaurants up and down Main Street are hanging open signs on their front doors,” said Biden.
At a rock climbing business in Alexandria, Biden outlined the strong progress both the country and Virginia specifically have made in this pandemic. Virginia ranks 14th overall with more than half of all adults fully vaccinated.
“And gov, I really mean this I’m not being political you’ve done one hell of a job doc. You’ve done a hell of a job that matters,” said Biden.
Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the President spoke about the optimism and hope Americans should feel at this point.
“Today we mark a tremendous milestone in our fight against COVID-19,” said Governor Ralph Northam, (D) Virginia.
Both men urged those who haven’t rolled up a sleeve to do so.
“We are closer to a more normal life than we have been in the past 14 months, and I don’t know about you, but for me that feels really good. For this we can thank the vaccine and the scientists and researchers who developed that,” said Northam.
The governor and the President said hitting vaccine goals made today possible, while acknowledging it’s been a long and difficult 14-months for just about everyone.
“As more Americans get vaccinated the days grow brighter and brighter,” said Biden.
Meanwhile, Republicans are pouncing on this visit. The Republican National Committee issued a statement which reads in part, “The truth of the matter is that Republican-led states have followed the science and thus topped the charts for economic recovery over the past year, while Democrat-led states like Virginia have fallen behind.”
Big reminder, businesses here in Virginia can still require a mask. And if you are on public transportation or in a few other settings, you will need a mask no matter what.
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