INDIANAPOLIS — Dr. Deborah Birx, a leader of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, spoke only with RTV6's Rafael Sanchez about Governor Eric Holcomb's statewide mandate that goes into effect on Monday.
Some people believe that the masks are simply not effective in preventing the further spread of COVID-19 and that it is a waste of time. Dr. Birx says, that on the contrary, masks are very much preventative to the virus.
"We are so pleased with the governor's action," Dr. Birx told RTV6. "Because, what we have discovered over the last few months, is how effective masks are."
"We are not traditionally a mask-wearing culture," Dr. Birx continued. "There are cultures around the world that have always worn masks and believe in masks. They've worn them for pollution or they've worn them for infectious diseases ... Americans have never had to embrace masks. But now we know both the physics - clear physics - and science behind trapping the particles in your mask."
Back in March, the White House and CDC were only urging those who were sick to wear a mask. But now, they are encouraging everyone to wear a mask because of what they have learned throughout the past few months.
"I think we've learned from the beginning of this epidemic to now," Dr. Birx said. "And the American people should actually be very happy that we can change guidance based on new information."
MORE WITH DR. BIRX | Birx says she would like to see coronavirus test results available immediately | Steps local, state leaders are taking could help contain COVID-19 in Indiana, Birx says |
