Anthony Fauci says he was in surgery when updated CDC testing guidelines were discussed

While US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention updated coronavirus guidelines, White House COVID-19 task force member, Dr Anthony Fauci reportedly said that he was undergoing surgery and was t in August 20 task force meeting. While speaking to an international media outlet, Fauci said that he was under general anaessia in operating room when CDC suggested that asymptomatic people may t need to be tested for virus, even if y’ve been in close contact with an infected person. 

Fauci reportedly said that he is ‘concerned’ about interpretation of recommendations and ‘worried’ that it will give people ‘incorrect assumption’ that asymptomatic spread is t of great concern. He added, “In fact it is”. 

Fauci’s comments come after Brett Giroir, who is administration’s coronavirus testing point person, said that new guidelines had White House coronavirus task force’s stamp of approval. Giroir was reportedly also asked if Fauci had signed off on guidelines, to which he replied saying ‘yes’, all doctors signed off on this before it even got to task force level. As per reports, Giroir had said that everyone worked toger to make sure that re was an absolute consensus that reflected best possible evidence, and best public health for American people. 

READ: Fact Check: Were Bill Gates And Dr. Anthony Fauci Roommates In College?

Updated CDC guidelines 

According to reports, new CDC guidelines appeared to be result of an idea raised to task force, when a surge of coronavirus cases strained US testing resources and some members were looking for new messaging on how to stem excess testing. Rar than encouraging anyone in close contact with a coronavirus positive person to get tested, US officials suggested that CDC relax guidance. idea was met with immediate resistance, however, coronavirus task force published updated guidelines earlier this week. 

READ: Anthony Fauci Says US Govt Won't Make Coronavirus Vaccine Mandatory For Public

While US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lamented widespread testing in US and falsely claimed that it is responsible for surges of cases in US, suggesting country should slow down testing, Giroir reportedly insisted that decision was science and evidence-based and Trump or Vice President had given direction about what needed to be done. Giroir said that updated guidelines coordinated in conjunction with White House Task Force, received appropriate attention, consultation and input from experts. 

According to CDC website, new guidelines say, “If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet) of a person with a COVID-19 infection for at least 15 minutes but do t have symptoms, you do t necessarily need a test unless you are a vulnerable individual or your health care provider or state or local public health officials recommend you take one”. 

(Im: AP) 

READ: Anthony Fauci Says Half An Effective COVID-19 Vaccine Would Be Eugh To Control Crisis

READ: Fauci: Schools Should Be Outdoors As Much As Possible