Joe Biden says his inauguration will be mostly virtual

Joe Biden has announced that his inauguration will be mostly virtual, with the traditional pomp and ceremony replaced by an event more like the Democratic National Convention this summer.

Mr Biden, 78, will be sworn in on 20 January.

Construction workers in Washington DC are already building the stage around the Capitol, but on Friday Mr Biden said that it will be an inauguration unlike any other.

He said not to expect the crowds along the mall, or the masses of politicians and well wishers crammed into the Capitol’s rooms.

Instead, he said, attendance will be minimal, and with social distancing in place.