In an interview with the PBS Newshour’s Judy Woodruff, Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, one of the country’s top medical experts, said he strongly recommends that all Americans stay home to help combat the coronavirus. He said social distancing and physical separation is important because the threat of a COVID-19 outbreak is present everywhere in the country, even in areas not currently considered a hotspot.
Fauci said no region in the country is exempt from an outbreak. He said if people practice the social distancing and separation guidelines in the Centers for Disease Control recommendations, they can help keep cases down. Fauci said even if the government in an area has not mandated “stay at home” orders, everybody should still do it.
Regarding masks, the CDC is now recommending that everybody wear a mask if they are going out to the store or any place where other people are present. Fauci said an accumulation of data now shows that people with no symptoms at all can transmit the virus, and can do so merely by speaking. Fauci said evidence now shows that just speaking can send out small particles of the virus—not very far, just a few feet—but nevertheless, a mask can help prevent people who have no idea they have COVID-19 from spreading the disease.
Fauci said medical masks, both surgical and N95, should most appropriately be used by front line medical workers. Ordinary people should look towards facial coverings such as scarves and homemade cotton masks.
Even when wearing a mask, social distancing—staying at least 6 feet apart—is critical.
Fauci also said washing one’s hands many times a day with soap and water is important. If soap and water is not available, the alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used. And wiping off, disinfecting, surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails, and counters is important.
Woodruff asked Fauci when he thought the social distancing guidelines could be loosened. Fauci said it is not possible to predict when the new cases will stabilize, followed at some point by fewer deaths as new cases diminish. He also reinforced that things for now will get worse, but will eventually get better.