During Thursday’s White House press briefing, the Biden administration refused to rule out potentially returning to lockdowns to combat the COVID-19 pandemic as cases surge in many parts of 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, 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.”
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
In July, Jean-Pierre similarly said that the Biden administration would return to lockdowns if the CDC recommended them.
“If you’re listening to the scientists, if scientists come to you at some point down the line and say, ‘It is our opinion that there should be shutdowns and there should be school closures,’ you would do that?” Doocy Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked at the time.
“Well, we listen to, like I said, we listen to the CDC and the expert[s] and their guidance … you know, the CDC is a body that is very well respected,” Jean-Pierre responded. “And again, we follow their guidance.”
BREAKING: The Biden administration indicates they are open to returning to lockdowns. pic.twitter.com/lcj66Fggkz
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 29, 2021
