Thursday, August 6, 2020

Global – 18,400,000/698,000; USA – 4,800,000/158,000 Got semi-agitated call from Mark Meadows at around 7:45 AM saying that he is going to keep me off all TV until we sit down and talk. He admits that I am probably being misquoted, but the press is pitting me against the POTUS. They are trying to drive a wedge between us. My interview with CNN this AM was terrific, and when I saw that it was Mark who was calling I thought that he was calling to tell me that the CNN interview was great. Apparently, I had said yesterday that the virus would not be “eradicated”, which is true (only smallpox). This is against what the POTUS said. I explained this to Mark and he seemed to understand that I was saying that it could not be eradicated, but I emphasized that it could be controlled. I suggested that he watch the CNN interview. He stated that the POTUS has a great deal of affection for me and he does not want to see a rift. He said he would watch CNN New Day and get back to me. I may be off TV for a while. Call from Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) asking about a few things. Is it a good idea to widely test for antibodies in PA to determine penetrance of infection? I told him yes. Also, questions about use of saliva POC tests. Good conversation. Discussion with Don Milton and Kimberly Prather on aerosols. They are particle and aerosol physicists and it is clear that particles larger than 5 um can aerosol including those up to 50 or 100um. Important implications for masks and indoor ventilation and physical distancing. Did a briefing with Qs and As to the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) led by Rep. Judy Chu and including Mazie Hirono, Grace Meng, Bobby Scott, Tulsi Gabbard, Brad Sherman, Susan Davis, Mark Takano. Went very well. PRESS: WVLK Lexington, KY Morning News Radio; CNN New Day with John Berman; Bloomberg News on Vaccine hesitancy – Anna Edney