Biden Announces 13-member COVID-19 Panel
The U.S. President-elect, Joe Biden, Monday announced a 13-member COVID-19 advisory board to tackle the pandemic.
The panel is to be led by Dr. David Kessler, former commissioner for Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Vivek Murthy, former Surgeon General and Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith of the Yale University School of Medicine.
The transition COVID-19 advisory board would guide preparations of Biden’s federal response to the coronavirus pandemic until he assumes office in January.
“Dealing with the coronavirus pandemic is one of the most important battles our administration will face, and I will be informed by science and by experts,” Biden said.
“The advisory board will help shape my approach to managing the surge in reported infections; ensuring vaccines are safe, effective, and distributed efficiently, equitably, and free; and protecting at-risk populations,” Biden said.
With 9.9 million cases, the U.S. has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus infections worldwide, according to data by the Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. also has the highest numbers of fatalities at 237,000 virus-related deaths.
Biden routinely slammed President Donald Trump for the current administration’s handling of the crisis.
AS Biden plots his presidential transition, Trump is still refusing to concede the election and has launched a flurry of court filings challenging the result.
