Masks May Protect Those Wearing Them; Vaccines To Enter Large-Scale Trials

Dr. Anthony Fauci tells NPR he's glad the President is promoting masks, and hopes more frequent White House briefings will be a source of clear and concise public health messaging.

Experimental coronavirus vaccines are headed for large-scale tests on tens of thousands of people. Multiple companies are preparing to begin those tests, a major hurdle in vaccine development.

We know masks keep us from infecting others with the virus. Now, scientists believe they can also help protect the people wearing them.

And NPR's Nurith Aizenmann reports that face coverings are one of the surest ways for cities and states to avoid returning to full lockdown measures and could potentially save 40,000 American lives.

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This episode was produced by Brianna Scott, Lee Hale and Brent Baughman. It was edited by Sami Yenigun and Beth Donovan with fact-checking from Anne Li. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.