Coronavirus: Biden, CDC chief ask Americans to mask up to avert fourth wave

The president urged governors to reinstate mask mandates and other restrictions that some states have been easing

The head of the CDC warned that without immediate action the US could follow European countries into another spike in cases

Reading Time:4 minutes

People dine inside a bubble tent outside a restaurant in New York City. Photo: ZUMA Wire/DPA

Published: 4:18pm, 30 Mar 2021Updated: 4:29pm, 30 Mar 2021

President Joe Biden and a top health official warned that too many Americans are declaring virus victory too quickly, appealing for mask requirements and other restrictions to be maintained or restored to stave off a “fourth surge” of Covid-19. The head of the CDC said she had a feeling of “impending doom” if people keep easing off.

The double dose of warnings on Monday came even as Biden laid out hopeful new steps to expand coronavirus vaccinations, with all adults to become eligible over the next five weeks. Biden announced plans to expand the number of retail pharmacies that are administering vaccines, and investments to help Americans get to vaccination sites. But the optimism was tempered by stark warnings about the potential for another wave of cases.

“This is deadly serious,” Biden said, urging governors to reinstate mask mandates and other restrictions that some states have been easing.

Hours earlier, during a virtual White House health briefing, Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, grew emotional as she reflected on her experience treating Covid-19 patients who are alone at the end of their lives.

“We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope,” she said. “But right now, I’m scared.”

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