Dr. Craig Spencer did not "lie" to NY Health officials: NY Health - "Dr. Spencer is a Hero....."

[branford]

99. I said that Dr. Spencer is fallible, as is everyone, not that he necessarily did anything wrong.

First, as a technical point, if he did everything perfectly, he should never have been infected.

Second, there are some doubts whether he in fact properly followed all protocols. If he was sufficiently symptomatic at the time, he should not have ridden the subway, eaten in a restaurant and gone bowling. No one need take him at his word that he was only "fatigued" or tired, and not otherwise symptomatic.

Third, the very evasive non-responses by the relevant authorities to the NY Post allegations gives a great deal of credence to the Post's claims that Dr. Spencer was not forthcoming with travel and contact information until challenged with documentary evidence. Such behavior, while potentially explainable due to understandable fear and embarrassment, rather than malice, is still both unacceptable and unprofessional, particularly given his expertise and the obvious risks. It also created doubts about his other claims concerning his lack of symptoms while out publicly.

Despite the forgoing, his work in Africa was noble and worthwhile, and I, too, hope he makes an alacritous and full recovery.