WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump took exception on Wednesday (Sep 17) to comments from the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who said a coronavirus vaccine could be broadly rolled out in mid-2021 and that masks might be even more effective.
Robert Redfield, in testimony to a congressional committee, said that general availability of a vaccine could come by "late second quarter, third quarter 2021".
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READ: Trump says coronavirus vaccine could be weeks away: Town hall
Trump, at a news conference, said he believed a vaccine will be rolled out much sooner. He said he called Redfield after his testimony to question him about it, and that Redfield appeared to have been confused by the question.
"I think he made a mistake when he said that," Trump said of Redfield's testimony. "I dont think he means that. When he said it, I believe he was confused."
Trump said a vaccine may be available in a matter of weeks and that there was a plan to begin distributing it widely soon after the Food and Drug Administration approves it. Trump is eager to have progress on a vaccine ahead of the Nov 3 presidential election.
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Trump also criticised Redfield for saying wearing a mask can be just as effective as a vaccine. Trump was initially reluctant to urge Americans to wear masks but has since been more willing to do so. Still, he has held a number of tightly packed events where many participants have not worn face coverings.
"Number one, it's not more effective than a vaccine and I called him about that," Trump said.
READ: Democrat Biden warns against rushing out COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump cannot be trusted
Reiterating remarks he had made on Tuesday at an ABC News town hall, Trump said people wearing masks at restaurants can be problematic.
"Masks have problems too," said Trump. "The masks have to be handled very carefully … I see people in restaurants and theyre playing with their masks."
Despite quibbling with Redfield, Trump said he retained confidence in his performance at the CDC.
Redfield, who is a member of Trump's coronavirus task force, did say that a vaccine could be ready as soon as this November or December, and that limited first doses could go to those who were most vulnerable, but that it might take until mid-2021 for it to be widely available.
"As soon as (a) vaccine gets approved or cleared, we want to be in a position to distribute it within 24 hours," Redfield told the US Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
But "in order to have enouRead More – Source
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