White House gears up for Covid impact on Jan 2021 Presidential Inauguration, albeit slowly

Ahead of 2020 US Elections, White House is gearing up for inauguration ceremony to welcome  next President of United States. On or hand, campaigning battle between Republican minee and current US President Donald Trump and Democratic minee Joe Biden continues to intensify. While US elections are scheduled for vember 3, Presidential inauguration ceremony will take place as per date set by 20th Amendment to Constitution, January 20, 2021. 

Presidential Inauguration Ceremony work underway

As a part of beefed-up security measures, low-flying helicopters can be spotted around town ahead of 2020 US Presidential Elections. Nuclear Security Administration of Energy Department has commenced low-altitude helicopter patrols in capital during day as a part of standard preparations to protect public safety. While talking about aircraft, department informed that it contains state-of--art radiation sensing techlogy. 

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A spokesperson for Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, Paige Waltz said that construction work is underway for Presidential inauguration, keeping in mind that event may need to be scaled down considering COVID-19 pandemic related preventive measures. committee has voted to hold Presidential inaugural ceremonies as per tradition that began under 40th U.S. President, Ronald Reagan, on West Front of Capitol and architect of Capitol has undertaken task to construct inaugural platform from scratch. Traditionally this platform hold over 1,600 people which includes new and outgoing President and Vice President as well as members of Congress and Supreme Court Justices, while bleachers above platform holds about 1,000 people. 

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Considering that Presidential inauguration ceremonies will take place amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, discussions are underway about precautionary measures like wearing a mask, social distancing, temperature checks, etc, but final decision has been taken since event is nearly 3 months away. Paige Waltz also informed that six-member committee is 'committed to traditional, inclusive, and safe ceremonies and will continue to monitor situation and provide information as it comes available'. 

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As per tradition, elected President and Vice President will head out to attend a luncheon in National Statuary Hall, after ceremony, followed by parade and Presidential inaugural ball. After election on vember 3, a Presidential Inaugural Committee will be organised to oversee inaugural events which are to be held away from US Capitol. Presidential Inaugural Committee is a n-profit committee which represents President-elect. 

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Aside from this, National Park Service is gearing up to construct reviewing and media stands which are to be used during Presidential Inaugural Parade by President-elect, his staff as well as his family. Due to this a portion of Lafayette Park and White House sidewalk has been closed off for construction. 

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(With inputs from AP)