Coronavirus: Trump gives mixed signals on wearing masks as some US local governments order the public to use them
- The US president emphasised that under the new guidance wearing any kind of face covering was voluntary
- The move followed a growing movement to encourage people to wear masks across the country
President Donald Trump announced Friday afternoon that the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is now suggesting the use of face coverings to slow the spread of the coronavirus, as some US local governments had already taken the initiative to mandate their citizens to wear them in public.
Announcing the new guidance during a White House briefing, Trump reiterated not to use medical masks but a basic cloth or fabric mask, either bought online or made at home.
The president emphasised that the new face covering guidance was voluntary, and said on multiple occasions that he would personally not be following the advice.
“I don’t think I’m going to be doing it,” said Trump. “Somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful Resolute desk, the great Resolute desk, I think wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, dictators, kings, queens – I don't know, I don't see it for myself.”
The move followed a growing movement across the country at the local level to encourage people to wear masks.
