NIH Director Francis Collins Admits Masking Rules For Kids Are Based On Rare Anecdotes, Not Data
By Jordan Davidson
National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins admitted on Tuesday that masking recommendations are based on anecdotes and not scientific data.
“I wish we had that data. But Hugh, I don’t think you’re hearing me. It’s not just about that,” Collins said on “The Hugh Hewitt Show.”
When host Hugh Hewitt pointed out that “based on that fear, we are accepting known substantial costs and deficits which will be lifelong in the classroom,” Collins merely reiterated his inclination to agree with National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, who was on the same show last week and repeated the mask rhetoric.
“But that’s the false choice, doctor,” Hewitt said.
“I don’t think so,” Collins replied, before admitting that there is not any data “showing that those kids are at greater risk of hospitalization or illness of serious sort from taking their mask off there.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends “universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status” purportedly to ensure a return to classrooms. While Collins admits that younger people contracting COVID-19 is “rare,” he said kids must wear masks in school or risk another virtual school year.