WATCH: CDC Director Redfield: agency had 'good interactions' with Chinese government on COVID-19

Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., said she was “incredibly concerned” about efforts by China to cover up vital information about the coronavirus pandemic. “Can you comment on the level and the timing of information you received and relied upon from your Chinese counterparts as this virus emerged?” Loeffler asked CDC director Robert Redfield. Redfield said the CDC has worked with its Chinese counterpart for decades on issues such as the influenza pandemic, and the relationship has been a productive one. He said the CDC had conversations with its Chinese counterparts as early as January 3 about cases of pneumonia tied to the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan--where cases of the coronavirus were first reported. “At a scientific level, we had very good interactions. That’s different than the broader Chinese government level.”

Leading U.S. health officials on Tuesday appeared before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions to answer questions about safely reopening schools and workplaces. In addition to Redfield, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn and Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Health Adm. Brett Giroir also spoke before the committee.

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