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ALMOST 300,000 people have died of covid-19 in the US, and 200,000 more are expected to succumb to the disease by April. Coronavirus cases are spiking across the nation and hospitals are at or near capacity in many communities.

US president-elect Joe Biden has outlined a science-based approach to combating coronavirus that is a striking contrast to the actions of his predecessor. President Donald Trump downplayed the severity of the virus and flouted public health recommendations such as wearing a face covering and avoiding large gatherings.

Biden has …