The threat of a Covid-19 pandemic and fears of a repeat of the violence that rocked the Capitol two weeks ago have led to the inauguration of new US President Joe Biden as never before.

In addition to the thousands of National Guard soldiers provided by the Capitol, inauguration planners introduced strict testing and social distancing rules to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Biden insisted the ceremony be held as usual outside the Western entrance to the Capitol – where a violent mob broke out two weeks ago – to show the American public and the world that democracy will withstand the strongest attacks and overcome them.

About 200,000 flags representing people who were unable to attend the inauguration

Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump left the White House early on the morning of January 20

Biden, Harris and their families were greeted by Senators Roy Blunt, a Republican from Missouri, and Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota. They climbed the stairs together on the Eastern Front, surrounded by Capitol police.

Kamala Harris was first sworn in using a Bible owned by Turgud Marshall, a civil rights lawyer who became the first African-American woman to sit on the Supreme Court.

Joe Biden swore to the Bible with a Celtic cross that has been in his family since 1893

Biden and his wife at the entrance to the White House

The New York Times published a series of photos following the entire inauguration process from the early hours of the morning until Biden first sat in the Oval Office.

photos: New York Times