Biden said that because of the progress made in the past year, "COVID-19 need no longer control our lives."
He pushed back against rhetoric suggesting the coronavirus is something that we'd just have to "live with."
"We will continue to combat the virus as we do other diseases. And because this is a virus that mutates and spreads, we will stay on guard," Biden said.
Biden broke down his efforts into four steps. He said the way out of the pandemic includes continuing COVID-19 vaccination and treatments; preparing for additional variants; ending the shutdown of schools and business; and supporting the global vaccination effort.
"We can end the shutdown of schools and businesses. We have the tools we need," Biden said.
"It’s time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again. People working from home can feel safe to begin to return to the office," Biden added. "Our schools are open. Let’s keep it that way. Our kids need to be in school."
