Surgeon General Jerome Adams offered a July 4 message before the holiday weekend, arguing that wearing a mask for Independence Day gatherings means “we really will have more independence and more freedom” amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Adams told NBC presenter Craig Melvin on “Today” that the most important thing a person going to a public meeting can do is wear a face mask or cover.
“When we talk about July 4 and independence, it is important to understand that if we all wear these, we will have more independence and more freedom because more places will be able to remain open. We will have less spread of the disease, “said the surgeon general.
President Trump
Donald John Trump Secret Service Members Who Helped Organize COVID-19 Positive Pence Arizona Travel Test: Report Trump’s Pandemic Planning Office at State Department: Iran Report Releases Photo of Production Site of damaged nuclear fuel: MORE report Hosting two big gatherings this weekend in Washington, DC and on Mount Rushmore without masks required, @CraigMelvin asks the US @Surgeon_General Jerome Adams if he would advise people to attend big gatherings like these. pic.twitter.com/5oFiM1eDcz
– TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 3, 2020
Melvin asked Adams in the interview if he would advise a loved one to attend any of the large gatherings that President Trump will host at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and in Washington, DC. Masks will not be required at any of the events.
Adams replied that people should consider individual factors that could put them at risk, such as whether someone is older or has a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
He added that people should also consider their “circumstances” before attending a large gathering, such as whether COVID-19 cases are on the rise in their community or whether they could practice social distancing at the event.
“We know that large meetings present the greatest risk at this time,” Melvin replied, pressing the surgeon on whether “I would advise someone to go to a large meeting, yes or no?”
“It is not a yes or a no,” Adams said. “Every person has to make up his mind. There will be people on the beaches, going to barbecues, going to different environments and they will have to consider their individual risk. ”
“As you mentioned, the CDC says that larger meetings are a greater risk. You should take that into account again if you are at risk or not, if you live with someone vulnerable, and then you must take steps to stay safe, “Adams added.
On Tuesday, Adams also implored Americans to wear masks, addressing some arguments that require covering their faces is a violation of personal liberties.
“Wear a face covering when you go out in public. It is not an inconvenience. It is not a suppression of your freedom. It is actually a vehicle to achieve our goals,” Adams said during a briefing with members of the White House coronavirus. . work force
“It adds to your convenience and your freedom because it allows us to open more places and allows those places to stay open,” he added. “This mask, this facial covering, is actually an instrument of freedom for Americans if we all wear it.”
On Thursday, the United States set a record for new daily coronavirus cases, reported 55,220 cases, and broke Wednesday’s record of 52,789. Both Florida and Georgia on Thursday also broke their state record for new reported cases.
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