Dr. Leana Wen, the senior medical analyst at CNN, urged Americans to ditch their cloth face-masks in light of the Omicron-variant of COVID-19 Monday, saying the coverings are “little more than facial decorations” as the new strain surges in all 50 states.
“I do not think that Mayor De Blasio should cancel NYC’s New Year celebration. This is outdoors & requires vaccination. Yes, omicron is surging, but we need to continue activities that are of high-value while adding precautions that reduce risk,” posted Wen on Twitter. “Don’t wear a cloth mask. Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There’s no place for them in light of Omicron.”
I do not think that Mayor De Blasio should cancel NYC’s New Year celebration. This is outdoors & requires vaccination. Yes, omicron is surging, but we need to continue activities that are of high-value while adding precautions that reduce risk. @BilldeBlasio @VictorBlackwell pic.twitter.com/tyOfQ5fT7g
— Leana Wen, M.D. (@DrLeanaWen) December 20, 2021
Her comments come hours after Dr. Anthony Fauci urged all Americans to wear the coverings when traveling on airplanes.
“The CEOS of the top airlines said you’re actually safer on an airplane than you are in an ICU. … They’re suggesting there really isn’t much need for a mask on an airplane. Are we going to get to a point where we won’t have to wear masks on an airplane?” asked a reporter with ABC News.
“I don’t think so,” said Fauci.
