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As the United States prepared for an extended lockdown and social distancing period, the health experts advise wearing a protective face covering when going out to public places such as groceries, supermarkets, and other essential businesses. First Lady Melania Trump recently emphasized the importance of wearing a face mask in public places.
CNN reports that the First Lady retweeted some advice from the Centers for Disease Control, advising Americans to wear cloth face masks and keeping a distance of six feet from anyone in public places. Frequent hand-washing is also strongly advised so as to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Melania quote-tweeted and added, “I ask that everyone take social distancing & wearing a face mask/face covering seriously. #COVID19 is a virus that can spread to anyone.”
Melania reiterated her previous tweet the previous week, asking the public to listen to the advice of the health experts by following the social distancing guidelines. The First Lady has often reiterated the importance of safety throughout this time, even suggesting possible ways for Americans to cope with the self-isolation period that was extended until the 30th of April. Melania has also filmed public service announcements regarding the pandemic. It bears noting that wearing face masks is strongly encouraged for those who are asymptomatic.
However, while Melania strongly encourages Americans to wear a face mask when in public places, her husband President Donald Trump views this measure as more of an optional matter. The Daily Mail reports that during a coronavirus task force briefing, Trump was asked regarding the First Lady’s tweets regarding face masks. Trump revealed his reluctance to do so despite the advice of the CDC.
“I would wear one. I just generally - would you like me to wear one right now?” joked Trump. “That would be a little awkward I guess. But again, I would wear one if I thought it was important. She likes the idea of wearing it, she does. A lot of people do. Again, it’s a recommendation and I understand that recommendation and I’m okay with it.”
When asked if his coronavirus task force officials should also wear face masks during briefings to set an example for Americans to follow, Trump said that they can if they want to and that he encourages it. “I would absolutely have no problem with that,” said the President.
