José Rivera with his wife Stephanie Rivera watching his nephews, Ariel, Sophia and Ignacio Arminta as they visit the Santa Monica Pier as people take advantage of the warm weather during COVID-19 spring break in Southern California on Monday. Santa Monica Pier and Boardwalk on Monday, March 29, 2021 in Santa Monia, CA.
Al Seib | Los Angeles Times | fake images
WASHINGTON (AP) – White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci warned on Monday that Americans must remain vigilant and adhere to public health measures as the warmer summer months approach.
“Maybe you remember a little over a year ago when we were looking for the summer to rescue ourselves from the waves. In fact, it was the opposite,” Fauci said during a coronavirus briefing at the White House.
“We saw some substantial increases in the summer. I don’t think we should even think about relying on the weather to bail us out of whatever we’re in right now.”
Fauci also said Monday that Americans should continue to receive both doses of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, despite a recent study suggesting that just one dose may be sufficient.
Fauci previously warned that while the Biden administration increases vaccine production and continues to administer a record number of vaccine doses, the nation is still in a battle against the coronavirus.
“When I hear a complete withdrawal from public health measures, say no more masks, nothing like that, that’s a risky business,” Fauci said during an interview last month with “Meet the Press.”
“Don’t hit the ball at the 5-yard line. Wait until it reaches the end zone. We are not in the end zone yet,” he said, adding that prematurely moving away from public health measures could prolong the pandemic.
Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that Americans continue to avoid travel due to coronavirus cases across the country.
“We know we have a growing number of cases right now. I would advocate against travel in general in general,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said last week. “We are not recommending travel at this time, especially for unvaccinated people,” he added.
Last month, a host of states across the country relaxed restrictions to varying degrees.
The Arizona governor has ended capacity limits on companies, but said they must still require masks. Texas also announced a return to business at full capacity, but abandoned its masks tenure. The Alabama governor said the state would lift its mask mandate after April 9. South Carolina lifted the state mask mandate on government buildings, but recommended that restaurants continue to require face covering.
California will allow theme parks, outdoor sports and stadium live events to restart on April 1 with reduced capacity and mandatory masks.
Mississippi also announced last week that companies would be able to operate at full capacity and removed the state mask mandate.
Last month, President Joe Biden urged Americans in his first prime-time address to remain lucid against the disease by following public health measures. Biden also set a goal for Americans to be able to gather in small groups to celebrate the 4th of July.