Testifies before Senate about opening the economy.
Appearing before the Senate Health, Labor and Pensions Committee Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned that the consequences “could be really serious” if cities and states reopen their economies too quickly.
More COVID-19 infections are inevitable as people again start gathering, but how prepared communities are to stamp out those sparks will determine how bad the rebound is, he told the committee.
“There is no doubt, even under the best of circumstances, when you pull back on mitigation, you will see some cases appear,” Dr. Fauci said. Following the guidelines is essential, he said, and if there is a rush to reopen without following them, “my concern is we will start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks.”
Others testifying Tuesday included Dr. Robert Redfield, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Admiral Brett Giroir, Assistant Secretary for Health, and Dr. Stephen Hahn, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.
President Trump has encouraged states to reopen businesses that had been deemed non-essential amid the pandemic, but to do it “safely.” “Safety is first,” he said.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force as their work continues in support of testing, the development of therapeutics and a vaccine.
- For the Senate to develop plans to assist the government in preparations for pandemics in the future.
- That state governments would be wise in scheduling the reopening of businesses.
Sources: Newsmax, C-SPAN, The Hill
