Places of worship 'may not be safe' for some, Birx says

Places of worship "may not be safe for those with preexisting conditions" despite orders from President Donald Trump that they be allowed to reopen immediately, White House coronavirus coordinator Deborah Birx said Sunday.

"Although it may be safe for some to go to churches and social distance, it may not be safe for those with preexisting conditions," Birx told Chris Wallace on "Fox News Sunday." "That's why in 'phase one' and 'phase two,' we've asked for those individuals with vulnerabilities to really ensure that they are protected and sheltering in place while we open up America."

Birx's comments came on the first Sunday after Trump labeled the nation's churches, temples and other places of worship "essential" and demanded that they reopen nationwide despite still-rising coronavirus cases and several reports of the illness spreading among congregants.