"We’re going in the wrong direction,’’ said Dr. Anthony Fauci, describing himself as "very frustrated.”.
He said recommending that vaccinated people wear masks is "under active consideration’’ by the government’s leading public health officials.
Also, booster shots may be suggested for people with suppressed immune systems who have been vaccinated, Fauci said.
Virus infections continue to hang over the Tokyo Olympics as additional athletes test positive and organizers ease some mask restrictions.
Some medalists on Sunday ignored the order from organizers to wear masks for the entire podium ceremony.
Seeing the pushback, the International Olympic Committee later agreed to ease its strict pre-Games rule designed to help protect against the coronavirus.
Nearly 163 million people, or 49% of the eligible U.S. population, are vaccinated, according to CDC data. »