THURSDAY, Oct. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- America's leading infectious disease expert called for a national mask mandate on Wednesday as COVID-19 cases surged across the country.
After expressing regret that face masks have not been more widely adopted, Anthony Fauci, M.D., said for the first time on Wednesday that the United States needs a nationwide mask mandate to combat the rising tide of COVID-19 infections, The Washington Post reported. Until now, Fauci has been reluctant to back such a sweeping policy, telling reporters in September that a national mandate "probably would not work."
But in an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, Fauci said that he had hoped "we could pull together as a country" and recognize the importance of mask wearing without the government getting involved. When questioned whether it was time for a national mask mandate, Fauci said, "You know, yes. If we don't get one, I would hope that the mayors and the governors do it locally."
Earlier on Wednesday, Fauci was also asked about a potential mask mandate during a question-and-answer session hosted by the Journal of the American Medical Association. He stressed the key to avoiding future lockdowns was getting 90 percent or more of the population to wear masks, The Post reported. Calling the prospect of a new round of stay-at-home measures "almost radioactive," Fauci said that Americans would have to "at least do the fundamental, basic things" if they want to avoid additional shutdowns. "What we can't have is this very inconsistent wearing that you see, where some states absolutely refuse to wear a mask," he said.
The Washington Post Article
Coronavirus Update With Anthony Fauci
