US election: Biden urges mask-wearing to save 'thousands of lives' - BBC News

The president-elect says vaccine deployment efforts will first focus on the most vulnerable people.

Biden emphasises that minority communities are being hit harder than white communities, and these groups will not be an after thought to his administration.

"The bottom line, I will spare no effort to turn this pandemic around once we're sworn in on 20 January."

He adds: "We'll follow the science...we'll listen and work in co-operation with governors and local leaders of both parties."

Biden continues to repeat his campaign promises of unity - and says "this election is over".

"It's time to put aside the partisanship and the rhetoric designed to demonise one another," he says.

"It's time to end the politicisation of basic responsible public health steps like mask-wearing and social distancing. We have to come together to heal the soul of this country so we can effectively address this crisis."

He says "tens of thousands of lives" can be saved if everyone just wears a mask.

"Maybe it saves your life. So please, I implore you, wear a mask. Do it for yourself, do it for your neighbour. A mask is not a political statement."

He says masks are the quickest way "back to normal".

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