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Fauci: 'We're not there yet' on key steps to reopen economy

Anthony Fauci
Posted at 1:13 PM, Apr 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-14 13:13:59-04

WASHINGTON — The government's top infectious disease expert says the U.S. still lacks critical testing and other procedures needed to begin reopening the nation's economy, adding a dose of caution to increasingly optimistic projections from the White House.

Dr. Anthony Fauci told The Associated Press that easing off strict social-distancing rules would be on a “rolling” basis around the country.

He says localities should be prepared to see new COVID-19 cases when that happens and act quickly to contain them.

Asked about May 1, an increasingly discussed target date, Fauci called that possible but “a bit overly optimistic.”