Dr. Anthony Fauci, who became the face of America’s fight against COVID-19, revealed to the House Select Committee on Coronavirus Pandemic that the social distancing guidelines might not have been scientifically grounded.
A Closed-Door Talk
In a closed-door session with the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Dr. Fauci, a key figure in the U.S. response to COVID-19, shared a surprising admission.
Scientific Doubt
Fauci, 83, indicated that scientific data may not have fully supported the social distancing guidelines recommended to Americans. He also shifted his stance on the lab leak hypothesis, acknowledging it was not just a conspiracy theory.
Investigation Update
This revelation was disclosed by Committee Chair Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, who leads an investigation into the possible suppression of the lab leak theory by government officials, including Fauci, during the pandemic.
China Theory
Wenstrup’s statement, released on Wednesday, also highlights the Republican allegation that officials favored the natural origin theory to potentially shield China from scrutiny.
Political Controversy
The pandemic saw Dr. Anthony Fauci become a figure of political debate. Criticized by those opposing government-imposed lockdowns, mask rules, and vaccine mandates, he was also celebrated by supporters of these measures.
“Failures” in Public Health
In his statement, Committee Chair Brad Wenstrup, with over 30 years of medical experience, noted, “Dr. Fauci’s transcribed interview revealed systemic failures in our public health system and shed light on serious procedural concerns with our public health authority.”
A Call for Scientific-Based Response
He continued, “It is clear that dissenting opinions were often not considered or suppressed completely. Should a future pandemic arise, America’s response must be guided by scientific facts and conclusive data.”
The Six-Foot Rule
Schools nationwide closed their doors, adhering to the six-foot social distancing guideline to curb the virus’s spread, a rule that also led to widespread lockdowns and restrictions in public places.
Social Distancing Just “Appeared”
Yet, according to Brad Wenstrup, Dr. Anthony Fauci described the formation of this guideline as something that “sort of just appeared,” casting doubt on its scientific basis. Additionally, Fauci conceded that the lab leak hypothesis, suggesting the virus originated from a Wuhan lab, is not just a conspiracy theory.
Admission of Possibility
Wenstrup noted that while Fauci debated the definition of ”lab leak,” he did admit the possibility of its occurrence.
Four Years Later
Nearly four years after the ‘Proximal Origin’ paper was published, which sought to challenge and invalidate the lab leak hypothesis, Dr. Anthony Fauci’s recent admission was brought to light by Brad Wenstrup.
Future Worries
Wenstrup noted that Fauci conceded the possibility that America’s vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic might fuel vaccine hesitancy in the future. Additionally, Fauci acknowledged advising American universities to implement vaccine mandates for their students.
Promising a “Reckoning” for Fauci
Florida Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis recently promised to “bring a reckoning” for Dr. Anthony Fauci if he wins the election.
Holding the “Tyrant” Accountable
In a statement previously made on X, DeSantis emphasized the need for accountability for Fauci’s actions during the pandemic, branding him a “tyrant.”
Wenstrup’s Warning
Adding to this sentiment, Brad Wenstrup, the Republican chairman of the sub-committee, remarked in a recent interview with Dr. Fauci that the policies and mandates Fauci supported might “may unfortunately increase vaccine hesitancy for years to come.”
Early Doubts Highlighted
The Wall Street Journal has also weighed in, noting that doubts about the 6ft social distancing rule were raised in the British Medical Journal in August 2020. “Officials nonetheless promoted the arbitrary rule because they didn’t trust Americans to understand scientific nuance or, for that matter, anything,” the WSJ wrote.
Rethinking Physical Distancing
MIT engineer Martin Bazant and mathematician John Bush argue in a report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that distance offers no protection against tiny airborne virus particles, known as aerosols.
Aerosol Threat
Their findings suggest that the current focus on physical distancing may not fully address the threat of aerosol transmission.
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