Deborah Birx urges Americans to use masks, social distance even if 'restrictions don't exist in...

As health officials and government leaders across the U.S. brace for potential consequences of last week's holiday gatherings, Dr. Deborah Birx underscored the importance of heightened COVID-19 mitigation strategies going forward—even if it's only on the personal level.

The coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force encouraged Americans to exercise personal responsibility even if their state or local leaders have not issued mandates that require certain behavioral changes aimed at lowering virus transmission risks.

"To every American: This is the moment to protect yourself and your family," said Birx on Sunday, speaking to CBS News' Margaret Brennan during the morning's Face the Nation program.

"And so, if your governor or your mayor isn't doing the policies that we know are critical—masking, physical distancing, avoiding bars, avoiding crowded indoor areas—if those restrictions don't exist in your state, you need to take it upon yourself to be restrictive," Birx continued.