[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), predicted that despite the spread of the Delta COVID-19 variant, there will be no full lockdown like last year.
On the 1st (local time), Fauci appeared consecutively on ABC and CBS broadcasts and made these remarks. While expressing concern that the situation could worsen due to the spread of the Delta variant, he said, "The current vaccination rate is sufficient to prevent a situation like last year from occurring."
New COVID-19 infections in the United States are accelerating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of the 30th of last month, the number of new COVID-19 cases was recorded at 101,171. ABC News reported that this is the first time since February 6th that daily new cases have exceeded 100,000 according to CDC data.
The count from Johns Hopkins University is even more severe. According to Johns Hopkins data, the number of new cases on the 30th of last month reached 194,000. The figure is close to surpassing 200,000.
Regarding breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated individuals, Fauci said, "No vaccine has 100% preventive effectiveness," and compared that those with breakthrough infections experience mild symptoms, whereas those who are not vaccinated have a higher probability of infection as well as a greater chance of hospitalization.
He noted that still 100 million Americans remain unvaccinated and pointed out the recent increase in vaccinations, including in areas where vaccination rates had been sluggish, saying, "I am pleased to see those who were hesitant about vaccination now getting vaccinated."
Regarding last week’s CDC recommendation that even vaccinated individuals wear masks indoors in areas with widespread transmission, Fauci emphasized, "It is to prevent transmission to vulnerable people, the elderly, and children."
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