Former White House chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has emphasized the importance of mask-wearing as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in a Saturday interview. He expressed concerns that people may not adhere to mask recommendations if they are reintroduced.
In the interview, Dr. Fauci stated, “I would hope that if we get to the point that the volume of cases is such and organizations like the CDC recommends — CDC does not mandate anything — recommends that people wear masks, I would hope that people abide by that recommendation and take into account the risks to themselves and their families.”
Dr. Fauci, who also previously served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, questioned the findings of a January 2023 Cochrane study that suggested masking might be ineffective. He argued that while the data on the pandemic’s overall impact may be less clear, numerous studies support the individual benefits of mask-wearing in terms of personal protection.
The Cochrane study, conducted by 12 researchers from prestigious universities worldwide, compared the use of medical/surgical masks to not wearing masks. The study concluded that “wearing a mask may make little to no difference in how many people caught a flu-like illness/COVID-like illness” and “probably makes little to no difference in how many people have flu/COVID confirmed by a laboratory test.”
Despite Dr. Fauci’s recommendations, COVID-19 hospitalizations increased by 18.8% between August 13 and August 17, with a 17.6% rise in deaths between August 20 and August 26, according to the CDC. However, these numbers remain significantly lower than the peak experienced in January 2023.
As of August 19, weekly national hospitalizations stood at 15,067, significantly lower than the 44,410 recorded in January 2023 and the peak of 150,674 in January 2022.
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, emphasized that while the CDC does not mandate masks, their recommendations often lead to state, local, and business mandates. He noted that high-grade masks in close quarters can be useful, especially in high-risk situations, but their effectiveness relies on proper usage. A study from the University of Minnesota revealed that 30% of people do not wear masks correctly.
Stunningly, CNN delivered actual journalism in this interview with Fauci. Bravo, but approximately 3 years late. Still good to see. Masks are utterly worthless and if they try to mandate them again, there should be riots. pic.twitter.com/H7ZBl92p9K
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) September 3, 2023
Dr. Siegel also expressed concerns about the negative effects of masking on young children, particularly regarding socialization and learning. He acknowledged that masks may have practical applications in medical settings with a high prevalence of respiratory viruses but cautioned against broad, sweeping recommendations.
The CDC’s most recent face mask order, which mandated mask-wearing on public transportation, expired on May 11 with the termination of the COVID public health emergency. While no U.S. states currently have mask mandates in place, some hospitals, schools, and companies have begun reimposing mask requirements in response to the rising COVID-19 cases.
