This is the moment where we need to steel our spines, redouble our efforts and recommit ourselves to the fight," Biden said, speaking from Wilmington, Delaware.

Believe me, I know," Biden said, pausing for a moment and taking a breath.

"It's really hard to care," Biden said.

It's hard to even think of looking forward, and it's so hard to hope.

I'll be thinking and praying for each and every one of you at this Thanksgiving."

The Thanksgiving holiday comes as coronavirus cases spike nationwide, bringing the total of deaths in the US up to nearly 260,000 as of Wednesday, and as a fresh wave of public health restrictions have been put in place to control the spread of the virus.

"I know how hard it is to forego family traditions, but it's so very important," Biden said, urging Americans to listen to medical experts and wear masks, practice social distancing and limit indoor gatherings.

"Every decision we make matters. Every decision we make can save lives. None of these steps we're asking people to take are political statements. Every one of them is based on science, real science," Biden said.