The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said in a telephone media briefing on Friday that people in large gatherings or at protests should wear masks.  They said the goal is to keep the COVID curve flat to ensure that critical infrastructure for healthcare services can be maintained and not overwhelmed, plus it increases the chances for people to avoid getting infected until a vaccine is available.  They note that testing data shows that most Americans have not yet been exposed to this virus.

Robert Redfield, M.D., CDC Director, and Jay C. Butler, M.D., CDC’s Deputy Director of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Response Incident Manager both said it’s critical to continue the physical distancing — 6 feet or more– and practice good hygiene, notably frequent hand washing for 20 seconds.  They also said many Americans have embraced the preventive measures, which has kept the virus from infecting many vulnerable Americans.

They also said the pandemic has not ended, although it’s not affecting everyone in the same way.  Cases in the United States have plateaued, but cases are increasing in some areas where people are out and having more interaction.  They said cases are increasing in about 20 states but the reasons may not be the same everywhere.

Dr. Butler also said that people should plan to get a flu shot when available in the Fall, as both influenza and COVID-19 will be circulating in the country at the same time.

The CDC has released guidelines for gatherings that include questions people should consider when deciding whether to attend gatherings, and information for organizers to help them ensure the gathering is safe.  Dr. Butler said the guidelines are for any type of gathering, whether a backyard barbecue or a large rally or protest.  He stressed it’s critical for people to stay home when ill.

The CDC has also issued guidelines for individuals to decide if and when to go out, and what to do if going out.

Dr. Butler said the CDC is working with all the states on their strategies for testing.  He said testing is critical to determine who may have COVID-19 and therefore get them to isolate to avoid spreading the disease.   Dr. Redfield said the CDC would like to see testing of all individuals in nursing homes, prisons, and other high-risk locations or settings and that kind of testing may be contributing to the increase in case count.

Photo is Dr. Robert Redfield at a June 7 U.S. Senate hearing.