From: Fauci, Anthony (NIH/NIAID) [E]
Sent: Wed, 5 Feb 2020 03:48:11 +0000
To: Sylvia Burwell
Subject: RE: A couple of quick questions.
Sylvia:
Masks are really for infected people to prevent them from spreading infection to people who
are not infected rather than protecting uninfected people from acquiring infection. The typical
mask you buy in the drug store is not really effective in keeping out virus, which is small enough
to pass through the material. It might, however, provide some slight benefit in keep out gross
droplets if someone coughs or sneezes on you. I do not recommend that you wear a mask,
particularly since you are going to a very low risk location. Your instincts are correct, money is
best spent on medical countermeasures such as diagnostics and vaccines.
Safe travels.
Best regards,
Tony
wookay
commented
1 year ago