Science Adviser Atlas Leaving WH Job   12/01 06:07

   Dr. Scott Atlas, a science adviser to President Donald Trump who was 
skeptical of measures to control the coronavirus outbreak, is leaving his White 
House post.

   WASHINGTON (AP) -- Dr. Scott Atlas, a science adviser to President Donald 
Trump who was skeptical of measures to control the coronavirus outbreak, is 
leaving his White House post.

   A White House official confirmed that the Stanford University 
neuroradiologist, who had no formal experience in public health or infectious 
diseases, resigned at the end of his temporary government assignment. Atlas 
confirmed the news in a Monday evening tweet.

   Atlas joined the White House this summer, where he clashed with top 
government scientists, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, as he 
resisted stronger efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic that has killed more 
than 267,000 Americans.

   Atlas has broken with government experts and the overwhelming consensus of 
the scientific community to criticize efforts to encourage face covering to 
slow the spread of the virus. Just weeks ago on Twitter he responded to 
Michigan's latest virus restrictions by encouraging people to "rise up" against 
the state's policies.

   His views also prompted Stanford to issue a statement distancing itself from 
the faculty member, saying Atlas "has expressed views that are inconsistent 
with the university's approach in response to the pandemic."

   "We support using masks, social distancing, and conducting surveillance and 
diagnostic testing," the university said Nov. 16. "We also believe in the 
importance of strictly following the guidance of local and state health 
authorities."

   Atlas defended his role in his resignation letter, saying, "I cannot think 
of a time where safeguarding science and the scientific debate is more urgent."

   Atlas was hired as a "special government employee," which limited his 
service to government to 130 days in a calendar year --- a deadline he reached 
this week.