Masks may remain even after vaccine
WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci says Americans likely will need to wear masks and stay socially distance to protect themselves from the coronavirus even after a vaccine becomes available.
The government’s leading infectious-disease expert told senators at a hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee Wednesday that a vaccine won’t change conditions overnight.
“The vaccine availability will go a giant step to controlling the infection, but you’re not going to completely eradicate it or eliminate it,” Fauci said.
It’s unusual for a vaccine to be 100% effective, he said. Also, some people are skeptical of vaccinations and may avoid getting a shot.
Even if there’s enough vaccine available for the entire U.S. population, it will take time to distribute the shots, Fauci said.
Fauci said he “certainly would” take a vaccine authorized by the Food and Drug Administration. Several vaccines are in the final stage of testing in the U.S. Fauci said government scientists should know by November or December whether they are safe and effective.
Dr. Brett Giroir, an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, told the Senate hearing that he’d “have no hesitancy” to take such a vaccine. He added people should have discussions with their health providers about the vaccine.
Fauci also told senators that much remains unknown about the longterm consequences of COVID-19. Fauci called attention to the so-called long haulers, people who have recovered but continue to struggle with a range of symptoms, including pain and fatigue.
A “disturbing number” of recovered patients have inflammation of the heart in MRI exams, Fauci said.
Also at the hearing, Dr. Robert Redfield, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, addressed criticism that recently forced the CDC to supersede its guidance. The clarification now says people without COVID-19 symptoms should be tested.
Redfield told the Senate hearing that it was a misinterpretation.
Meanwhile, Democratic senators said Wednesday that COVID-19 is the newest pre-existing medical condition. That means people who had the disease could be denied health insurance if the Obama-era health law is overturned.
The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg means there are no longer five justices on the court who have previously upheld the Affordable Care Act. That law forbids insurers from turning down people with health problems or charging them more.
“Any diagnosis of COVID will likely become a pre-existing condition,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-conn.