Fauci stated that the CDC has not changed and hasn't really flipped-flopped at any time. We were primarily dealing with the Alpha variant of the virus, rather than the highly transmissible Delta.Fauci stated that the data show that when someone who was vaccinated is infected by the Delta variant of a so-called breakthrough disease, the virus level in their nasopharynx can be about 1,000 times greater than the infection via the Alpha variant.Fauci stated that although it is rare, there have been cases of individuals passing the virus on to others. The guidelines and recommendations have been modified for this reason.Fauci pointed out that the new CDC guidance was not meant only to benefit unvaccinated Americans. Fauci said that people don't fully understand that the virus could spread unrestricted among unvaccinated persons, making it more dangerous than the Delta version. This would allow it to evolve into a new strain of the virus that may be difficult for even the most vaccinated to manage.Rochelle Walensky (CDC Director) said Wednesday that she didn't see any way to prevent people from getting infected with coronavirus variants after they had experienced breakthrough infections.However, we've been seeing with the Delta variant that, if you have one of these breakthrough infections, you can now pass it on to someone else," Walensky said to CNN.She said that it was this new science that prompted the guidance. Federal health officials also weighed in on the recommendation: "I know that this message is not one America wants to hear."Breakthrough infections are rare, Walensky stated. They only occur in one to two percent of 20 people who have been vaccinated. The negative effects on the health of those who have had their shots are relatively mild.Walensky stated that they could still transmit it to others. They believe they are protected from transmission. We felt it was vital that they understand their parents, family members of immunocompromised patients, and families at high risk for severe disease so they can protect themselves from spreading the disease.Fauci and Walensky also reacted to criticisms of a controversial aspect of the new CDC guidance, which recommended that local officials encourage universal indoor masking at schools for all staff, students, and visitors, regardless if they are vaccinated.Walenksy stated that it was important to know that Covid-19 isn't a benign condition in children, as compared to other illnesses that kids may experience.Children will get infected if there are many factors that can lead to infection. Fauci stated that there is no doubt about it. Children who are infected with the virus will experience serious consequences. Some of them will die.He said that Covid-19 has caused about 400 deaths in children. We shouldn't assume that it is okay for children to become infected. Protect the children.
