What did Dr. Nancy Messonnier assert about masks when COVID-19 was first reported?

Dr. Nancy Messonnier, a prominent figure in public health during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, asserted that masks were not necessary for the general public at that initial stage. This perspective was based on the understanding of how the virus was transmitted at the time and the need to preserve personal protective equipment for healthcare workers who were facing the highest risk of exposure. Her guidance reflected a growing understanding of the pandemic's dynamics, leading health officials to prioritize the use of masks for those in healthcare settings while advising the public on other preventive measures like social distancing and hand hygiene. As the situation evolved and more data became available, recommendations about mask usage changed, but at that time, her statements were aligned with the prevailing public health strategies focusing on resource conservation for frontline workers.