Dr. Anthony Fauci has long cited between 60% and 70% as the level of COVID infection / vaccination the country would need to achieve herd immunity, for the disease to fade and life to return to normal, he writes. Donald G. of the New York Times. McNeil Jr.
But, but, but: “About a month ago, he started saying ’70, 75 percent ‘in TV interviews. And last week, in an interview with CNBC News, he said’ 75, 80, 85 percent ‘and’ 75 at 80 percent more. ”“ McNeil writes.
What’s new: “In a telephone interview,” McNeil continues, “Fauci acknowledged that he had slowly but deliberately moved the gates.”
- “It does, he said, based in part on new science, and in part on the feeling that the country is ready to listen to what it really thinks.”
Fauci’s confession:
“When polls said only half of all Americans got a vaccine, they said herd immunity would take between 70 and 75 percent … Then, when more recent polls said that 60 percent or rather they would take it, I thought, “I can push this a little bit,” so I went to 80, 85. We have to have a little humility here … We really don’t know what the real number is. I think the range real is between 70 and 90 percent. But I won’t say 90%. “
In depth: Keep reading “How Much Herd Immunity Is Enough?” De McNeil (subscription).