Breaking

Trump says CDC Director Robert Redfield 'confused' about coronavirus vaccine, mask efficacy. Redfield responded. - USA TODAY
Sep 16, 2020 1 min, 33 secs

Donald Trump took issue with CDC director Robert Redfield's comments that face masks are more effective than a vaccine at stopping spread of COVID.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump suggested Wednesday the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention misspoke when he testified that a coronavirus vaccine might not be widely available until next year and that face masks are a more effective way of fighting the disease.

Robert Redfield told a Senate panel on Wednesday that a limited supply of coronavirus vaccine may be available between November and December, but that it was unlikely to be available to the general public until the summer or fall of next year.

His remarks contradicted Trump, who has said a vaccine could be available by the end of the year, perhaps by the Nov.

Redfield also testified that wearing a face mask might offer more protection against the spread of coronavirus than a vaccine.

"I might even go so far as to say that this face mask is more guaranteed to protect me against COVID than when I take a COVID vaccine,” Redfield said, adding that vaccines are not 100% percent effective.

A few hours later, Trump said during a White House news briefing that Redfield was wrong on both counts.

“I called him – I said, ‘What did you mean by that?’” Trump told reporters.

Trump said that when he called Redfield on Wednesday, “I said to him, what’s with the mask.’ He said I think I answered that question incorrectly.’ I think maybe he misunderstood it.”.

Asked if he still had confidence in Redfield, Trump said: "I do.

Face masks: Trump attacks Biden on coronavirus mask mandates, but Biden doesn't hold public office

Biden also weighed in on the Trump-Redfield flap, tweeting: "When I said I trust vaccines, and I trust the scientists, but I don't trust Donald Trump – this is what I meant."

RECENT NEWS

SUBSCRIBE

Get monthly updates and free resources.

CONNECT WITH US

© Copyright 2024 365NEWSX - All RIGHTS RESERVED