Redfield: If Everyone Wears A Mask, Pandemic Controlled In Four To Eight Weeks

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 14: People walk while wearing protective masks as New York City moves into Phase 3 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic on July 14, 2020. Phase 3 permits the reopening of nail and tanning salons, tattoo parlors, spas and massages, dog runs and numerous other outdoor activities. Phase 3 is the third of four-phased stages designated by the state. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

The most powerful tool we have to fight COVID-19 is a mask. The scientific evidence is becoming more clear, if Americans would only wear them. The Wall Street Journal (paywall) writes:

“Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said he believes the pandemic could be brought under control over the next four to eight weeks if “we could get everybody to wear a mask right now.”

CDC says the coronavirus pandemic could be under control in four to eight weeks if everyone wore a mask starting now https://t.co/xdb7r2X9DP
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) July 18, 2020

Dr. Redfield was due to testify before Congress next week, but he, and every other member of the CDC, has been blocked from appearing by the White House.

Redfield did speak before the American Medical Association last week where he spoke of a new study citing ample evidence that masks work. You can read the study here. It found how masks help reduce COVID infection rates among health care workers.

In the last week, the U.S. has set records for new coronavirus cases, topping 70,000 per day.

As for how many Americans are wearing masks, the Journal writes, “The CDC said the use of cloth face coverings while in public in the U.S. increased to 76.4% in mid-May, compared with 61.9% in April, according to internet surveys sent to roughly 500 adults each month.“