Dr. Fauci voices concern over 'disturbing' report that D.C. National Guard members have coronavirus after protests

Dr. Anthony Fauci is continuing to stress the importance of social distancing in addition to wearing masks amid the ongoing protests over the killing of George Floyd — and voicing concern over some "disturbing" recent news.

Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, appeared Wednesday on Good Morning America amid the large nationwide protests sparked by Floyd's death in police custody, and he was asked about a recent report that some members of the D.C. National Guard who responded to protests have tested positive for COVID-19.

This was "certainly disturbing, but is not surprising," Fauci told GMA, adding that he "wouldn't be surprised" if some of those who were demonstrating also have the coronavirus and could potentially bring it back to other cities if they traveled to D.C. for the protests.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

"When you get congregations like we saw with the demonstrations ... that's taking a risk," Fauci said. "And unfortunately, what we're seeing now is just an example of the kinds of things we were concerned about."

While GMA's Robin Roberts noted that many protesters are wearing masks, Fauci said that doing so must be in addition to social distancing.

"The issue of physical separation is important," Fauci said. "Masks can help, but it's masks plus physical separation."

Fauci had previously said he was "very concerned" about the spread of the coronavirus due to the protests, saying it's "a delicate balance because the reasons for demonstrating are valid and yet the demonstration itself puts oneself at an additional risk." Brendan Morrow