Coronavirus: Melania Trump calls for everyone to wear a mask but president insists 'I'm choosing not to'
Moments after Donald Trump said he's "choosing not to" wear a face mask in public despite new guidance from federal health officials, his wife Melania Trump urged Americans to do so.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending Americans wear cloth masks — not medical grade or surgical masks — in public to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Mr Trump said "medical protective gear must be reserved for the frontline health workers" but added "I don't think I'll be doing it."
He said: "It's only a recommendation ... I'm choosing not to do it."
The First Lady said on Twitter: "As the weekend approaches I ask that everyone take social distancing & wearing a mask/face covering seriously. #COVID19 is a virus that can spread to anyone - we can stop this together."
Mr Trump said: "I just don't want to wear one myself ... I'm feeling good."
He then pictured himself behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office greeting kings, queens and dictators while wearing a mask: "I don't know. I don't see it for myself. ... Maybe I'll change my mind."
As the weekend approaches I ask that everyone take social distancing & wearing a mask/face covering seriously. #COVID19 is a virus that can spread to anyone - we can stop this together.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS)
Despite the president saying he's "feeling good" and has been tested for the virus, US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the initial recommendation — that people do not need to wear masks if they are asymptomatic — follows evidence that people who do not present symptoms are not necessarily safe from spreading the virus.
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