WASHINGTON – The country’s leading expert in infectious diseases says the US could see important steps towards a return to pre-pandemic norms, even before the coronavirus herd immunity is reached.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, says the best estimates when enough people are immune to end the outbreak range between 70-85% of the population – a figure is expected to be reached by late summer or early autumn.
He says if the rate of vaccination is increased and the most vulnerable to the virus are protected, some government restrictions could be lifted.
Fauci said, “You do not have to wait until you have full herd immunity to have a profound effect on what you can do.”
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky warns only about 10% of the population is fully vaccinated, but her agency expects federal guidelines would weaken as more people get shots.