Dr. Oz Apologizes For Suggesting To “Tradeoff” 2 to 3 Percent of American Lives To Reopen Schools Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

Things took a left turn when Sean Hannity of Fox News interviewed Dr. Oz live on-air, asking him what needs to happen to reopen sports arenas and entertainment venues in America during this COVID-19 pandemic.

DR OZ: "Schools are a very appetizing opportunity. I just saw a nice piece in The Lancet arguing the opening of schools may only cost us 2 to 3%, in terms of total mortality. Any, you know, any life is a life lost, but … that might be a tradeoff some folks would consider." 😳 pic.twitter.com/aifMeKTsIv

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 16, 2020

When Hannity asked Oz for suggestions on how to ease in to the reopening process, Oz said, “First, we need our mojo back. Let’s start with things that are really critical with the nation, where we think things could be opened without getting into a lot of trouble. Schools are a very appetizing opportunity. I just saw a nice piece in The Lancet arguing the opening of schools may only cost us 2 to 3%, in terms of total mortality.”

Oz’s comment almost immediately went viral, leaving many in distress over the surgeon’s ignorance.

Any life is a life lost, but to get every child back into a school where they’re safely being educated, being fed, and making the most of their lives with a theoretical risk on the backside, might be a tradeoff some folks would consider,” Oz continued.

However, he then took to Twitter to apologize for his comments. Posting a video of his apology to his 4 million followers, Oz said, “I’ve realized my comments on risks around opening schools have confused and upset people, which was never my intention. I misspoke.”

I’ve realized my comments on risks around opening schools have confused and upset people, which was never my intention. I misspoke. pic.twitter.com/Kq1utwiCjR

— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) April 16, 2020

Dr. Oz has been called on Fox numerous times to give his perspective and beliefs on a range of topics surrounding COVID-19, given his background as a cardiothoracic surgeon. While he isn’t a logistics expert, Oz speaks his opinions with confidence.