Joe Biden and Kamala Harris walked out to the Rose Garden without wearing masks, after the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people did not have to wear masks in most settings.

As Biden walked up to the podium with an uncovered face, Harris could be heard telling him, "Great smile."

Biden began his remarks by saying, "Today is a great day for America in our long battle against coronavirus."

The president said this “great milestone” was made possible by the country’s great success in getting hundreds of millions of vaccine doses to the American people.

As of today, more than 250 million shots have been administered since Biden took office in January.

Joe Biden reiterated the new CDC guidance that fully vaccinated people are no longer required to wear masks in most settings.

“For now, after a year of hard work and so much sacrifice, the rule is very simple: get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do,” Biden said.

The president was also careful to encourage people to be kind to those who still feel more comfortable wearing masks.
 
“We’ve had too much conflict, too much bitterness, too much anger, too much politicization of this issue about wearing masks,” Biden said. “Let’s put it to rest. Let’s remember we’re all Americans. Let’s remember that we are all in this together.”