Biden and Harris to skip big Thanksgiving celebrations

Like millions of other Americans this year, the president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris will be scaling down their Thanksgiving celebrations amid a surge in Covid-19 cases nationwide.  

Mr Biden’s team said he would be spending the holiday in Delaware with his wife, Dr Jill Biden, and their daughter and son-in-law. 

Ms Harris is staying in Washington DC with her husband Doug Emhoff. The pair visited a community kitchen project in DC on Wednesday afternoon, where they were greeted by chef Jose Andres. DC Central Kitchen is where the Obamas volunteered on Martin Luther King day in 2014.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Biden had urged Americans to resist surrendering to “fatigue” over the pandemic, calling for the nation to forgo a big Thanksgiving celebration.  

"I know the country has grown weary of the fight, but we need to remember we're at war with a virus — not with each other," he said. "This is the moment where we need to steel our spines, redouble our efforts, and recommit ourselves to the fight. Let's remember — we are all in this together."

His remarks echoed the sentiments of leading public health officials who have advised citizens to limit their holiday gatherings to mitigate the spread of the virus.  

"We all have a role to play in beating this crisis. The federal government has vast powers to combat this virus. And I commit to you I will use all those powers to lead a national coordinated response," Mr Biden said. "But the federal government can't do it alone. Each of us has a responsibility in our own lives to do what we can to slow the virus. Every decision we make matters. Every decision we make can save a life."

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country is nearing 12.7 million with the death toll surpassing 261,000, according to Johns Hopkins University.