Dr. Anthony Fauci recognizes the responsibility that comes with being a member of President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force.
“You know, it’s my job. This is the life I’ve chosen and I’m doing it,” Fauci said. “Obviously there’s a lot of pressure, I would be foolish to deny that but that’s what I do.”
Fauci now reportedly needs personal security from law enforcement, including at his home at all times after receiving death threats.
He also mentioned how he has been through other crises before, including the HIV epidemic.
“It’s a job to do and we’ve just got to do it,” Fauci said.
Watch Fauci’s interview below:
WATCH: Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's top infectious disease doctor, and a member of the @WhiteHouse #coronavirus task force, joins us with the latest on the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/aVlAllVYCW
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) April 2, 2020
Host Gayle King mentioned Fauci’s projection up to 240,000 Americans could die even with social distancing measures in place. She asked him how Americans should not be discouraged, especially when hearing such large numbers.
“Because it’s within our power to modify those numbers,” Fauci said.
He added:
“Even though we need to anticipate these rather disturbing numbers, we shouldn’t give up and accept it… we need to push and push with the mitigation to try and get that number lower than the projected number by the model.”
King pointed out it is reported 25% of Americans will not get symptoms of the virus. She then asked Fauci how the nation will know it is safe to lift restrictions.
Fauci explained they have to look at the curve of new infections and deaths.
Additionally, he was asked if he is advising Trump to ban domestic travel.
“It really depends on what city you’re talking about and from where you are coming,” Fauci said. “So this is something that you’re absolutely correct is on the table and is discussed but no decisions have been made about banning travel within the domestic United States.”
The U.S. has more than 216,000 reported confirmed cases of coronavirus, as of Thursday morning.