바이든, 당선인 첫 행보는 코로나 통제… TF 발표, 그리고 '마스크 착용 간청'

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hit record numbers across the United States.
In response, Joe Biden has launched a special COVID-19 task force that will begin operations as soon as he is inaugurated in January 2021.
The president-elect has also urged Americans to wear masks and stick to public health guidelines.
Our Han Seong-woo reports.
The Joe Biden Administration's 'Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board' has been unveiled.
Starting January 20th, the 13-member task force will help the U.S. president-elect with his goals of containing the pandemic and widely vaccinating the American public.
"This group will advise on detailed plans built on a bedrock of science... Making rapid testing widely available, more widely available, much more widely available, and building a core of contact tracers who will track and curb this disease while we prioritize getting vaccines first to the most at risk populations."
Along with its three co-chairs, the board includes Trump administration whistleblower and former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Rick Bright.
The unveiling comes amid what Biden referred to as (quote) "a dark winter" at a briefing on Monday, local time.
With over 100-thousand daily infections, the U.S. has reached the 10-million mark in total cases.
Cautiously optimistic of recent developments in the search for a vaccine, Biden stressed that mask-wearing is, for now, the most potent weapon against the virus.
"I implore you, wear a mask, do it for yourself, do it for your neighbor. A mask is not a political statement, but it is a good way to start pulling the country together."
Once inaugurated, Biden plans to implement mask mandates nationwide and has vowed to invest 25 billion U.S. dollars in a vaccine manufacturing and distribution plan... that will guarantee every American is vaccinated free of charge.
Meanwhile, Biden's transition team is demanding that the General Services Administration recognize that he has won the election.
It has even warned of legal action if the agency fails to officially declare Biden's victory.
Without a declaration, the incoming presidency lacks access to certain funds and information, slowing its ability to shift policy direction.
Han Seong-woo, Arirang News.