The United States announced that it has added 100 countries to its high-risk COVID-19 list, advising its citizens not to travel to these places. The State Department stated in a release, "This update will significantly increase the number of countries listed at 'Level 4: Do Not Travel', covering nearly 80% of countries worldwide." The department listed 34 out of 200 countries at "Level 4: Do Not Travel," including Chad, Kosovo, Kenya, Brazil, Argentina, Haiti, Mozambique, Russia, and Tanzania.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden, predicted that changes in health policy regarding face mask use to combat COVID-19 are forthcoming, although he did not specify when this change would occur. Fauci noted that the three vaccines available in the U.S., including Johnson & Johnson, are effective in clinical trials. He told NBC's Meet the Press that the use and recommendations regarding face masks may change soon as vaccinations continue.
Fauci also reiterated that mask-wearing by individuals, even after vaccination, is critical to stop the low-level spread of the virus that remains possible, as the vaccines are about 95% effective, leaving a 5% chance of infection according to Fox6Now.
Meanwhile, as Israel has shown that vaccinations can lead the way to a return to normal life, it lifted a requirement for face masks in public places on Sunday after vaccinating about 80% of its adult population.
In the U.S., tensions over face masks and other restrictions remain high, with Fauci clashing with Republican Representative Jim Jordan from Ohio regarding their use. Jordan demanded that Fauci provide a timeline for when Americans can "regain their freedom." In response, Fauci stated, "When the level of infection in this country is low enough that it does not really pose a significant threat." However, he did not define what level would be considered low enough to not pose a threat.
