The Trump administration wants the public to know the risk of infection from coronavirus and to be prepared, but not to panic, as the risk of contracting the disease remains low for most Americans, Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams said Friday.
"What you're going to hear from the president is what you've heard from him all along: that the risk to the average American of coronavirus at this time remains low," Adams said on Fox News' "America's Newsroom." "However, we are seeing pockets in this country of increased cases of coronavirus. And so, we want people to prepare."
He also repeated the advice for Americans to wash their hands frequently, clean surfaces in their homes, cover their mouths when they cough and sneeze, and to remain home if they are sick.
He also insisted that people not wear masks, as that could even increase their risk of getting sick.
"We know that masks are not effective for the general public in keeping them safe from coronavirus and may actually increase their risk of getting coronavirus or the flu because if you don't wear a mask properly you often will end up touching your face frequently and can increase your risk of exposure to a respiratory disease," he said.
He also said he's trying, as surgeon general, to help people keep matters in perspective.
"We've had 18,000 flu deaths," said Adams. "It's one of the worst flu seasons we've had. If folks want to be concerned about something they should be concerned about their risk of exposure to the flu. They should be making sure they get the flu shots. The great thing if you protect yourself from if flu you also protect yourself from the coronavirus. It's a win/win."
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