At the start of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, health officials from the CDC and the White House discouraged Americans from wearing masks.
At the time, it's since been revealed the officials took that tack so healthcare workers would have sufficient access to masks and personal protective equipment.
Now, CNN reports there is unanimous agreement among all public health experts that Americans should be wearing masks in public after all.
Those who refuse to wear masks are putting their lives, their families, their friends, and their communities at risk. Dr. Christopher Murray Director, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
Nevertheless, White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx warns against thinking a mask will do all the work for you.
Don't get a false sense of security that that mask is protecting you exclusively from getting infected. There are other ways that you can get infected. Dr. Deborah Birx Coordinator, White House Coronavirus Task Force
