Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is suggesting the decision to issue a mask mandate remains in the hands of governors.
Appearing on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, Redfield was asked why there is not a nationwide mask mandate amid resistance from some Americans to wear masks.
Redfield explained he is not sure a nationwide mask mandate would work as an incentive for Americans to wear masks and it is ultimately up to governors to decide whether or not they will implement one.
“I’m not sure that mandating makes. I think the issue is how to motivate all Americans to do that,” Redfield said.
He added, “It’s obviously an independent decision that the individual governors are making.”
Check out his comments below:
.@ABC NEWS EXCLUSIVE: @CDCDirector Dr. Robert Redfield on how bad the COVID-19 crisis could get. “It is very hard to predict.”https://t.co/aQQ6s3kY6z pic.twitter.com/PbiMPVNNHQ
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 22, 2020
Redfield argued the “most important public health measure” Americans can take is wearing a face covering. He claimed there is existing data affirming masks work.
Redfield reiterated the focus should be on convincing Americans they can make a difference by wearing masks.
“The key is now how to get everybody to embrace them,” Redfield said.
Redfield recently revealed the coronavirus could be under control within one or two months if Americans are willing to wear masks, as IJR previously reported.
President Donald Trump shifted his rhetoric on face masks following months of criticism for not wearing one in public.
Trump was seen wearing a mask in public for the first time during a trip to Walter Reed National Medical Center, as IJR previously reported.
During his first White House coronavirus briefing in a while, Trump encouraged the nation to wear masks if they are unable to socially distance themselves from others.
He also indicated the pandemic will likely get worse before it gets better.
Florida, Texas, and Arizona are among other states that have experienced a surge in the number of coronavirus cases. Nationwide, there are nearly 4 million infections and more than 142,000 deaths.
