FAUCI WARNS SENATE OF ‘SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES’
Dr Anthony Fauci said if federal guidelines to reopen were not followed, “little spikes” would become outbreaks.
He also said the real US death toll is probably higher than the official figure of 80, 000.
His message is at odds with the upbeat tone of President Donald Trump who is keen to get the economy going again.
Dr Fauci was speaking via video to a Republican-led committee of the US Senate.
He was referring to the White House’s Opening Up America Again plan, which includes three 14-day phases that states are urged to consider implementing as they allow schools and businesses to reopen.
Several states which are restarting their economies have infection rates that are rising, not falling.
He warned of the risk of triggering an outbreak that officials would not be able to control, adding that such an outbreak would set back economic recovery and lead to “suffering and death.”
Although the White House has laid out guidelines for reopening, it is ultimately up to state governors to make the decisions on how to ease the lockdown.
“There is no doubt, even under the best of circumstances, when you pull back on mitigation you will see some cases appear,” Dr Fauci warned the US officials.
Questioned about the possibility of a rebound in autumn of the virus, Dr Fauci said one is “entirely conceivable and possible.”
“I hope that if we do have the threat of a second wave we will be able to deal with it very effectively to prevent it becoming an outbreak,” he said.
Dr Fauci also said there are multiple vaccines in development but “no guarantee” any will be effective, though based on his knowledge of other viruses, he is “cautiously optimistic.” “We have many candidates and hope to have multiple winners,” he said. “In other words it’s multiple shots on goal.”
Meanwhile, Vice-President Mike Pence is keeping his distance from the president after his press secretary Katie Miller tested positive last week.
“The vice-president has made the choice to keep his distance for a few days,” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany