National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci said on Sunday’s broadcast of NBC’s “Meet the Press” that if you are elderly, do not get on a cruise ship to avoid the coronavirus outbreak.
Fauci said, “I think we’re getting a better sense as the day goes by. Unfortunately, that better sense is not encouraging because we’re seeing community spread. Whenever you see community spread, you can do contact tracing, but as more community spread becomes logistically more difficult.”
He continued, “I think right now, something that’s important that I hope the American people appreciate is that the risk of getting into trouble with this infection, mainly, if you are infected, is overwhelmingly weighted towards people with underlying conditions and the elderly. That’s the reason why if you’re an elderly person with an underlying condition if you get infected, the risk of getting into trouble is considerable, so it’s our responsibility to protect the vulnerable. When I say protect, I mean right now, not wait until things get worse. No large crowds, no long trips, and above all, don’t get on a cruise ship.”
He added, “Here’s the recommendation from the CDC. I feel this way strongly. This would be a recommendation, if you’re a person with an underlying condition and you are particularly an elderly person with an underlying condition, you need to think twice about getting on a plane on a long trip, and not only think twice. Just don’t get on a cruise ship.”
He concluded, “In realtime, you have to evaluate the situation. If we continue to see the community spread go up, you have to seriously look at anything that’s a large gathering. Again, I have to underscore, Chuck, particularly if you’re an individual who has an underlying condition and are vulnerable.”
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