Coronavirus: Trump seen wearing face mask for first time during military hospital visit

US president Donald Trump wears a face mask as he arrives to visit wounded military members and front line coronavirus healthcare workers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, 11 July 2020: Chris Kleponis/Pool
US president Donald Trump wears a face mask as he arrives to visit wounded military members and front line coronavirus healthcare workers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, 11 July 2020: Chris Kleponis/Pool

Donald Trump has been photographed wearing a face mask for the first time during a visit to a military hospital.

It is the first time the US president has been seen in public wearing the type of facial covering recommended by health officials to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

President Trump flew by helicopter to Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in suburban Washington to meet wounded service members and health care providers caring for Covid-19 patients.

As he left the White House, he told reporters: "When you're in a hospital, especially ... I think it's expected to wear a mask."

Mr Trump was wearing a mask in Walter Reed's hallway as he began his visit, however he was not wearing one when he stepped off the helicopter at the facility.

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