Biden slams 'Neanderthal' easing of state Covid restrictions | First Thing

Joe Biden strongly criticised states for lifting mask-wearing mandates, as the CDC warned now is not the time'. Plus, Washington security has been ramped up amid possible Capitol attack plans

Good morning.

Joe Biden sharply criticised the Republican governors of Texas and Mississippi over their decision to end their state mask-wearing mandates, describing the move as a big mistake" and accusing them of Neanderthal thinking". Speaking at the White House yesterday, Biden said the US was on the cusp of being able to fundamentally change the nature of this disease" due to the vaccine rollout, but warned that the last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking that in the meantime, everything's fine".