We don't need mask mandates, says former White House COVID-19 response coordinator

In that context, Dr. Deborah Birx, who served as the Trump Administration's COVID-19 response coordinator, said mask mandates are no longer necessary.

"We don't need to mandate," Birx told Newsmax, during an interview.

She added: "We need to actually empower people with the information that they need for themselves and their families because every family is different. And by the way, outside is safe, and playgrounds are safe."

Birx was one of the senior officials who helped lead the country's early response to the COVID-19 pandemic.