The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said on Monday in Fox News’ “Special Report” that it is possible that the level of coronavirus infections is “so low” in late autumn that Americans could stop being advised to use facial covers.
Baier asked, “Will there be a time when we won’t have masks?”
Fauci said: “It will really depend on how we reduce the level of the virus in the community. If we can get – and I used that as an estimate, it’s not definitive – if we can vaccinate 70 to 85 percent of the population and get what we hope is a degree of herd immunity, which really is an umbrella or veil of protection against the community. Where the level of viruses is so low, it is not a threat. So at that point, you can start thinking in terms of not having to have a uniform wearing masks. “
He added: “But we are certainly not close yet. When do I think this would happen? It is very difficult to predict, Bret, but if all goes well and we get it under control, it is conceivable that you will be able to step back a little in some of the public health measures when we get to the end of this year. But there is no guarantee of that. “
Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN