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Biden signs burst of virus orders, requires masks for travel

With a burst of executive orders, President Joe Biden served notice Thursday that America鈥檚 war on COVID-19 is under new command, promising an anxious nation progress to reduce infections and lift the siege it has endured for nearly a year.

At the same time, he tried to manage expectations in his second day in office, saying despite the best intentions 鈥渨e鈥檙e going to face setbacks.鈥 He brushed off a reporter鈥檚 question on whether his goal of 100 million coronavirus shots in 100 days should be more ambitious, a point pressed by some public health experts.

The 10 orders signed by Biden are aimed at jump starting his  to increase vaccinations and testing, lay the groundwork for reopening schools and businesses, and immediately increase the use of masks 鈥 including a requirement that Americans mask up for travel. One directive calls for addressing health care inequities in minority communities hard hit by the virus.