President-elect Joe Biden is urging Americans to avoid large gatherings over the Christmas holidays, saying experts warn things will get worse before it gets better, and thousands of Americans are expected to die in the weeks ahead, even with vaccines.

"Here's the simple truth: our darkest days in the battle against Covid are ahead of us, not behind us,” says Biden. “So, we need to prepare ourselves to steel our spines, as frustrating as it is to hear, it's going to take patience, persistence and determination to beat this virus."

Biden also praised Congress for passing the coronavirus relief package, which he says is just the first step.

He will be putting forward a plan in early 2021 to help conquer the pandemic.