Dr. Anthony Fauci warned that masks and social distancing measures will still be necessary even after many Americans become vaccinated against COVID-19.
“I would recommend to people to not abandon all public health measures just because you’ve been vaccinated,” Fauci said during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union. “Because even though for the general population it might be 90% to 95% effective, you don’t necessarily know for you how effective it is.”
Fauci, a member of President Trump’s coronavirus task force and the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said that he wouldn’t let his guard down even when he receives the vaccine.
“I can feel more relaxed in essentially not having the stringency that we have right now, but I think abandoning it completely would not be a good idea,” Fauci said.
The comments came just a few days after Fauci ignited criticism for saying Americans should “do what you’re told” despite their “independent spirit.”
“I was talking with my U.K. colleagues who are saying the U.K. is similar to where we are now because each of our countries have that independent spirit,” Fauci said. “I can understand that, but now is the time to do what you’re told.”
Fauci went on to bemoan that Americans have started to view scientists as “authoritarian,” noting that it is unfortunate science has become “divisive” and “has been lumped into politics.”
“All of the sudden science gets caught in a lot of this divisiveness,” Fauci said.
