Biden will be inaugurated as president in a small ceremony due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Mr. Joe Biden. Photo: Reuters

“I think that (the inauguration) will definitely have to change. This is not the inauguration we have seen before,” said Ron Klain, who was recently appointed by Mr. Biden as White House chief of staff.

Previously, Mr. Biden was attacked by President Trump for wearing a mask and taking Covid-19 prevention measures during his election campaigns.

President Trump, who did not comply with epidemic prevention measures, contracted Covid-19 in early October. Later, many White House officials and members of the President's family such as First Lady Melania and youngest son Barron also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

According to Mr. Klain, Mr. Biden and Ms. Kamala Harris will continue to emphasize the need to implement epidemic prevention measures when they take office on January 20, but did not provide details about the inauguration ceremony.

The presidential inauguration traditionally includes the swearing-in ceremony and a speech by the new president at the Capitol. The newly inaugurated president then has lunch with lawmakers and makes a parade to the White House.

The White House chief of staff said Biden's team is consulting with leaders in the House and Senate on the details and best approach for the inauguration.

This year's inauguration could be “scaled back compared to traditional inaugurations,” Mr. Klain said.

At the same time, Mr. Klain also mentioned that Americans poured into the streets to celebrate right after the US media announced Mr. Biden's victory in the election on November 7, 4 days after the voting ended.

“We know people want to celebrate. We just want to try to find a way to do it as safely as possible,” Klain said./.