Emory Doctor: 'Pandemic Not Over Just Because A Politician Is Saying It Is Safe'

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"I think I think it's safe to say that we're going to have to continued increased cases in the U.S.," said Emory School of Medicine Associate Dean Dr. Carlos del Rio. / Zoom

A global health expert from Emory University is stressing that people in Georgia need to keep practicing social distancing and wearing masks.

Emory's Associate Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. Carlos del Rio spoke on a virtual conference call about the ongoing effort to curb the pandemic in the state and across the country.

Del Rio said in spite of reopenings occurring, people should still be cautious.

"I think I think it's safe to say that we're going to have to continued increased cases in the U.S.," he said. "Whether it's Memorial Day weekend or just the fact that, again, we are reopening and we're lifting restrictions."

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He also warned against the efforts by some politicians to politicize the wearing of protective masks and facial gear. While social distancing and remaining 6 feet apart his helpful, he said the real shift will come when more people begin to wear masks regularly.

"I think it's highly recommended that we use masks to protect ourselves," he said. "It's a pretty small intervention that I think has a lot of a lot of yield in this way."

Although some public officials are beginning to suggest that pandemic is over or showing signs of stopping, Del Rio argued that there is still a longer fight ahead.

"This pandemic is not over just because a politician says it's safe to get out or we want to reactivate the economy," he said. "I do think there are important economic decisions to be made, but this pandemic is not over. Take care of yourselves."