The nation’s top health expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, is standing behind the forthcoming coronavirus vaccine.
On Thursday, during the first White House coronavirus task force briefing since July 8th, Fauci assured the country that the vaccine to combat COVID-19 is indeed safe, despite critics claiming that it was rushed for political reasons.
“The process of the speed did not compromise at all safety, nor did it compromise scientific integrity. It was a reflection of the extraordinary scientific advances in these types of vaccines, which allowed us to do it in months that actually took years before. So I really want to settle that concern that people have about that,” the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said, referring to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as “really solid.”
Critics of the vaccine include New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has been vocal about his belief that the vaccine development was rushed to benefit Donald Trump in the presidential election. He has urged the administration to pursue further testing of the remedy before it’s distribution.
However, Fauci is certain that there is nothing to fear.
“We really need to put to rest any concept that this was rushed in an inappropriate way,” Fauci said.
Despite the first rounds of the vaccines arriving in December, Fauci is still encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and continue to wear masks and social distance. The nation is still very much in the grips of the coronavirus pandemic. On Thursday, the country reached 250,000 COVID-19 related deaths. As a result, lockdown measures are beginning to take place again in various parts of the country.
In California, 41 counties in the most affected areas will be forced to close nonessential indoor businesses. Washington State, Michigan, and Oregon have also followed suit and ceased indoor dining. New York City announced on Wednesday that public schools would be shutting down as well.
