Jose Rivera with his wife Stephanie Rivera watching their nieces and nephews, Ariel, Sophia and Ignacio Arminta, as they visit Santa Monica Pier while people enjoy the warm weather during COVID-19’s spring break in Southern California on Monday- market. Santa Monica Pier and Promenade on Monday, March 29, 2021 in Santa Monia, CA.
Al Seib | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
WASHINGTON – The White House chief medical advisor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, warned on Monday that Americans should remain vigilant and adhere to public health measures as the hottest summer months approach.
“You may remember a little over a year ago, when we were looking for the summer to rescue us from the outbreaks. It was actually the opposite,” said Fauci during a coronavirus meeting at the White House.
“We saw some substantial increases in the summer. I don’t think we should even think about depending on the weather to rescue us from whatever we are in now,” he added.
Fauci also said on Monday that Americans should continue to receive two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, despite a recent study suggesting that just one dose may be sufficient.
Fauci had previously warned that, although the Biden administration increases vaccine production and continues to administer a record number of vaccine doses, the country is still in a battle with the coronavirus.
“When I hear a complete withdrawal from public health measures, without saying more masks, none of this is a risky business,” said Fauci during an interview last month with “Meet the Press”.
“Don’t throw the ball on the 5-yard line. Wait until you reach the final zone. We are not in the final zone yet,” he said, adding that premature departure from public health measures could prolong the pandemic.
Likewise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that Americans continue to avoid traveling due to coronavirus cases across the country.
“We know that we now have an increasing number of cases. I would advocate against travel in general,” said CDC director Rochelle Walensky last week. “We are not recommending travel at this time, especially for unvaccinated individuals,” she added.
In the past month, a number of states across the country have relaxed restrictions to varying degrees.
The Arizona governor has closed capacity limits for companies, but said masks should still be required. Texas also announced a return to full-capacity business, but abandoned its masking mandate. The Alabama governor said the state would withdraw its mask mandate after April 9. South Carolina suspended the state’s masking mandate in government buildings, but recommended that restaurants continue to require facial coverage.
California will allow theme parks, outdoor sports and stadium live events to be restarted on April 1 with reduced capacity and mandatory masks.
Mississippi also announced last week that companies could operate at full capacity and withdrew the masking mandate from the state.
Last month, President Joe Biden urged Americans in their first prime-time speech to remain vigilant against the disease, following public health measures. Biden also set a goal for Americans to be able to gather in small groups to celebrate the 4th of July.