That includes early case identification, isolating people who are sick and tracing those that the person has come into contact with while they were contagious, we don't have to go through the serious mitigation steps that we're taking to get us under control.

Robert Redfield

That is why it's so important for Middle America to recognize the mitigation that we talked about... it's for Middle America too, the Nebraskas, the Oklahomas, we don't need to have a third wave in the heartland right now.

Robert Redfield

We don't need to have a third wave in the heartland right now, we need to prevent that.

Robert Redfield

It is not known how the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing measures may affect the circulation of viruses that can cause AFM, or if COVID-19 will impact the health care system's ability to promptly recognize and respond to AFM, if social distancing measures decrease circulation of enteroviruses this year, AFM cases may be fewer than expected or the outbreak may be delayed.

Robert Redfield

We're not powerless. We don't have to wait for a vaccine, although I think we're going to be successful sooner than many people think. We have the most powerful weapon in our hands right now, I mean it's an enormously powerful weapon. It's just a simple, flimsy mask, this virus can be defeated if people just wear a mask.

Robert Redfield

The introduction from Europe happened before we realized what was happening, by the time we realized( the) Europe threat and shut down travel to Europe, there was probably already two or three weeks of 60,000 people coming back every day from Europe.

Robert Redfield

Because to me, face coverings are the key. If you really look at it, the data is really clear -- they work.

Robert Redfield

Remember, it's guidance, it's not requirements, and its purpose is to facilitate the reopening and keeping open the schools in this country.

Robert Redfield

Our guidelines are our guidelines, but we are going to provide additional reference documents to aid basically communities in trying to open K-through-12s, it's not a revision of the guidelines ; it's just to provide additional information to help schools be able to use the guidance we put forward.

Robert Redfield

We are not defenseless against COVID-19, cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus -- particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

Robert Redfield

I do think the fall and the winter of 2020 and 2021 are going to be the probably one of the most difficult times that we experienced in American public health.

Robert Redfield

But at the end of the day, these guidances are just that — they're guidances, which the local schools and districts need to then incorporate into a practical, real plan that they can operationalize to begin to get these young people back to school safely.

Robert Redfield

I can tell you that those guidance that we put out are out, and they stand.

Robert Redfield

I want to make it very clear that what is not the intent of CDC's guidelines is to be used as a rationale to keep schools closed, it would be personally very disappointing to me, and, I know, my agency, if we saw that individuals were using these guidelines as a rationale for not reopening our schools.

Robert Redfield

I can tell you that when American Airlines announced that the other day, obviously there was substantial disappointment with American Airlines, i can say this is under critical review right now by us at The CDC. We don't think it's the right message.

Robert Redfield

Specifically, I'm addressing the younger members of our society, the millennials and the Generation Z's -- I ask those that are listening to spread the word.

Robert Redfield

We have powerful tools at our disposal -- social distancing, wear a face cover in public, and be disciplined about the frequent hand washing, we are not defenseless against this disease.

Robert Redfield

I can tell you that when they announced that the other day, obviously there was substantial disappointment with American Airlines, i can say this is under critical review right now by The US at CDC. The US don't think it's the right message.

Robert Redfield

A good rough estimate now is 10 to 1.

Robert Redfield

CDC has begun to prepare for months ahead, when the next season's influenza illness will occur simultaneously, potentially, with Covid-19, increasing the challenges on hospitals, health care professionals and the public, this fall, before the seasonal circulation of influenza increase, I encourage the American people to be prepared and to embrace flu vaccination with confidence for yourself, your families in the communities.

Robert Redfield

So unfortunately we have a situation where it's sort of a double whammy, obviously, the African American community has suffered from racism for a very, very long period of time.

Robert Redfield