Dr. Fauci Pleads For Vigilance During Labor Day To Avoid Coronavirus Surge

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading infectious disease expert and director of the National Institutes of Health, issued a warning Thursday about a surge of coronavirus cases following Labor Day.

On CNN, Fauci said it would be possible to see a surge in new cases of the virus after Labor Day if people, especially young people ages 18 to 25, didn’t remain vigilant. His plea comes as several states are on an upward trend of coronavirus cases, particularly in the northern states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Fauci said: “We don’t want to see a repeat surge over the holiday weekend.” He urged Americans to continue to observe social distancing guidelines, wear face masks, avoid crowds, and hold gathering outside when possible.

If safety guidelines are not maintained, Fauci warned that there will be a surge in positive cases after Labor Day, much like was seen after Memorial Day and July 4^th.

He said: We need to “go into fall with a running start in the right direction.”

The fall has been of particular concern to many health officials as the U.S. enters flu season. Health officials are urging people to get an influenza inoculation to avoid a “twindemic” of the flu and the coronavirus, which could overwhelm hospitals.

Dr. Fauci also mentioned the increase in coronavirus cases with young people, an issue that has been plaguing the U.S. as they continue to “party.” States such as New York and California have urged young people to stop partying to prevent the spread of the virus.

Pop-up parties in the states have prompted city officials to take action against young people. In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a warning that utilities would be shut off at homes that hosted large parties, making true on his promise in at least one instance. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he would implement more restrictions if young people did not stop their partying ways.

The U.S has reported over 6.1 million positive cases of the coronavirus, with over 185,000 COVID-19 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.