Biden Admin Refuses To Rule Out Returning To Coronavirus Lockdowns This Winter As Cases Surge

The Biden administration refused to rule out on Thursday returning to lockdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic as cases surge across the country.

“In light of that, are you guys still categorically ruling out the possibility that we might see lockdowns this winter, especially considering how boosters have not kind of had the uptick that we would need to see here?” a reporter asked White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “Are there going to be any operational changes here at the White House?”

“Look, as it relates to shutdowns — which is what I was trying to convey to Jeff as he asked me this question — look, you know, we’ve been very clear, Dr. Fauci has been very clear, our public health experts have been very clear: We know what works, and we’re going to continue to do what works, which is making sure that, you know, we do everything we can to get folks vaccinated,” she responded.

She later added, “We listen to the science.  As I said, that is the North Star for us. We listen to health officials. And so, we’re going to continue doing what we know works and continue to talk to the American public about that.”

WATCH:

Bloomberg’s Justin Sink:” I am wondering in light of [rising Covid cases and deaths], are you guys still categorically ruling out the possibility that we might see lockdowns this is winter, especially considering how boosters have not…had the uptick we need[?]”

KJP doesn’t say pic.twitter.com/DFuzMnAoIr

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) December 16, 2021

TRANSCRIPT:

REPORTER: And then, on COVID: In response to Jeff, you said that the tools that we have are working.  And I take the point that if you’re fully vaccinated and boosted, the chance of severe harm from COVID to you — your personal risk is relatively low.  But that doesn’t describe a majority of Americans. 

And just in the last few weeks, we’ve seen cases up 40 percent, deaths up more than a third.  And so I’m wondering, in light of that, are you guys still categorically ruling out the possibility that we might see lockdowns this winter, especially considering how boosters have not kind of had the uptick that we would need to see here? 

And are —

KARINE JEAN-PIERRE, DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY:  Well — oh, sorry.

REPORTER: Yeah.  Are there going to be any operational changes here at the White House?  Obviously, you know, the President is 79 years old; he’s been boosted, but the virus is swelling in a way that we haven’t seen, probably, in a year.

JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, as it relates to shutdowns — which is what I was trying to convey to Jeff as he asked me this question — look, you know, we’ve been very clear, Dr. Fauci has been very clear, our public health experts have been very clear: We know what works, and we’re going to continue to do what works, which is making sure that, you know, we do everything we can to get folks vaccinated.

We’re at 71 percent of people being fully vaccinated.  That’s a huge difference to where we were a year ago, as I just stated.  A year ago, we were at less than 1 percent.  We’re at 83 percent — more than 83 percent of people who have at least one shot.  So, we’re doing the work to get us there.  With boosters — about more than 50 million people have gotten that booster shot. 
And the President laid out his Winter Plan about two weeks ago to really talk about those dozens — the 12 tools –additional tools — to build on what’s working to make sure that we offer it.  We have — the American public feels like they have that access and feel — and feel comfortable in getting that booster shot.

So, it’s important.  We got to make sure that we take care of our seniors, our most vulnerable.  So, that is what we know. We listen to the science.  As I said, that is the North Star for us.  We listen to health officials. 

And so, we’re going to continue doing what we know works and continue to talk to the American public about that.

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