Fauci will not attend White House Correspondents' dinner, as he believes the pandemic is still ongoing

Fauci, who is 81, stated that everyone must make their own decisions and that what is right for them may not be the best for others. Fauci praised the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA), for taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. However, he said that each individual must weigh the risks and benefits. Before attending Saturday's dinner, the WHCA requires guests to have been fully vaccinated.

CNN reported Fauci’s decision not to attend the annual Washington journalist gathering and D.C. elites.

Fauci said that comments he made on Tuesday during an interview for PBS' "Newshour were misinterpreted to suggest that he had said the pandemic is over.

Fauci stated to CBS News that "we certainly cannot say that the pandemic has ended." It isn't over.

Fauci stated that the U.S. continues to deal with a pandemic even though the country has entered a new phase in the last few months. It's not as severe and rapid as the earlier pandemic that saw thousands of deaths and hundreds upon thousands of new cases every day. Fauci described the current U.S. situation as a "decelerated", and more "controlled" phase.

He cited the many therapeutics and vaccines available, including Paxlovid. This will, he said, make a big difference in making it more accessible. He noted that the U.S. is better off than countries around the globe with more severe COVID-19 issues, such as China and Hong Kong.

Fauci said that "that doesn't mean we are out the woods", adding that the number is "creeping up" again. Fauci warned Americans to be alert and prepared for any new variants or surges. He said that the United States must avoid another increase in hospitalizations.

Kamala Harris , Vice President of Biden, received positive COVID-19 test on Tuesday and is now taking Paxlovid to prevent severe illness. She is the highest-ranking official in the Biden Administration to be given a positive diagnosis.

Fauci attended the Gridiron dinner earlier in the month, which was another journalism event where many people tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the White House, President Biden (79) will attend the correspondents dinner. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said that President Biden makes his own risk calculation for events such as this with consultation with his doctor.

Psaki stated that Psaki would be attending the White House Correspondents' dinner. It's a chance to recognize the contributions of all of you, and many of your coworkers, and to discuss the importance of journalism around the world. He's been to that event many times before and decided, after consultations, that he could attend it again.