After being asked Wednesday by @jessicayellin on Instagram for his message regarding the July 3 event, the nation’s top infectious disease expert said: “You should avoid whenever possible gathering in crowds where people cannot maintain physical distance.”

“Avoid crowds, wear a mask, keep physical distance,” Fauci continued. “It doesn’t matter what the reason for the congregation, whether it’s a celebration here, the demonstration there. It doesn’t make any difference — wear a mask.”