Larry Kudlow, the director of the White House National Economic Council, conceded Sunday that it's worrisome a relaxation of social distancing could lead to an increase of COVID-19 infections — and more economic pain.
In an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kudlow was pressed on continuing outbreaks in parts of the country where the opening of the economy is well underway.
“Yes, it is a concern,” he said of the increased cases. “And I will repeat, I think your view is right on this. People must observe the safety guidelines. Must. The social distancing must be observed. Face coverings in key places must be observed.”
“We do know a lot” about the U.S. outbreak, he added. “We’ve had an increase in cases in some states: Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida …[in] some small metropolitan areas.”
Pressed by host Jake Tapper on whether he believes people also should be wearing masks at President Donald Trump’s first campaign rally since lockdown in Tulsa, Okla., Kudlow said: “Well, okay. Probably so.”
“I want to also say, though, that hospitalizations may be going up, but that’s because elective procedures are now permitted,” he asserted.
“And maybe most importantly, Jake, although the case rate has increased a bit, we’re not talking about a second round here.”
“Fatality rates continue to be very low and the country has got to open,” he concluded.
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