Atlas, who was a radiologist by training, pushed fringe theories about the coronavirus, including the idea that large numbers of people should get infected in order to reach so-called "herd immunity."

The team, which includes former federal health officials, aims to create a blueprint for the incoming administration's COVID-19 response as the nation battles a new surge in infections.

The controversial coronavirus adviser apologized on Sunday for doing an interview with Russia's state-controlled network RT, saying he "was unaware they are a registered foreign agent."

Dr. Scott Atlas is a radiologist from Stanford with some unorthodox ideas about managing the pandemic. The White House says his thinking is just what's needed, but scientists aren't so sure.