Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), was pressed on whether President Donald Trumpās criticism has impacted his decisions on the Coronavirus Outbreak.
The top infectious disease expert appeared on MSNBCās āAll In With Chris Hayesā Thursday where he was asked if he faces pressure from Trump and government officials regarding the coronavirus mitigation efforts.
Hayes raised questions about the recent clash between Trump and CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield where the president contradicted the CDC directorās remarks about the effectiveness of masks.
āAs Iām talking to you, I almost want you to break fourth wall and sayā¦ā Hayes said, adding, āLike, is there a Donald Trump on your shoulder that youāre running this through?ā
Fauci shook his head as he claimed that he is not. However, Hayes was not convinced.
āBecause the president has said things, the president has said, he says a lot of people say masks donāt work, and heās ridiculed people for wearing masks, and I guess my question to you is, like, the science does say that masks work, right?ā Hayes asked.
He added, āLike, this is really important that people wear masks, and when we see big crowded events of people not wearing masks, thatās not good?ā
See Fauciās remarks below:
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Fauci doubled down on his stance as he insisted that his guidance for mitigating the spread of the coronavirus has always remained the same.
āChris, I have been crystal clear for a long time in what Iāve been saying,ā Fauci said as they both laughed. āI donāt think thereās any ambiguity of what Iāve been saying.ā
Fauci went on to support Redfieldās arguments on the importance of masks to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
He added, āMasks are important. Theyāre effective. Combined it with physical distancing, avoiding crowds, and washing hands, and it works. End of story. Itās true. No question about that.ā