The topic of wearing masks during this pandemic has remained a touchy subject for a lot of Americans. Some believe it to be a political statement of sorts and others wear masks to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. The argument continues as President Trump’s second campaign rally approaches this week.
Chief of Staff says “no” to masks
Trump’s Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, announced on Monday, July 6, on Fox & Friends, that there will not be a national mandate to wear masks or face coverings due to the fact that states are continuing to see different sides of the virus. Some states are experiencing surges of COVID-19 amid their phased reopening and the state government is being held responsible for making the decision to mandate wearing masks.
“Well, it’s certainly a state-to-state issue, as we look across the country, obviously the narrative is the COVID cases are rising, but testing is rising exponentially. We’ve now tested almost 10 percent of our country,” Meadows said.
“And yet when we look at masks and the wearing of masks, that’s done on a location basis, when you can’t have social distancing, but certainly a national mandate is not in order,” he continued. “We’re allowing governors and mayors to weigh in on that.”
Meadows’ comments come as states like New York, New Jersey, and Kansas across the country begin implementing new mask mandates and tightening existing ones.
Trump’s upcoming rally
President Trump is heading to New Hampshire later this week for a campaign rally, and Meadows suggested masks could be required. Arguments have been made for the usage of masks as many of Trump’s own campaign staff left his first rally in Alabama with the COVID-19 virus.
“Obviously we’re looking forward to being in the Granite State and as we look at that it’s more a factor of precaution,” he said. “We’re a nation of freedoms and certainly we want to make sure people are free to assemble.”
The Chief of Staff informed that “President Trump mentioned he is willing to wear a mask if appropriate in tight quarters.” He added, “I know a number of us have done the same and it’s all to make sure that we deal with the virus and make sure the American people know that help is on the way.”
Meadows defended the president: “When we had testing problems, this president acted. When we had problems with ventilators, this president acted. When we had problems with PPP [Paycheck Protection Program], this president acted.”
“And there is good news on the way,” he said. “Whether it’s therapeutics or a vaccine, help is on the way. We will be able to make sure that we deliver those by the end of the year.”
Should we be wearing masks?
Are you choosing to wear a mask or face covering in public? Where do you stand on the act of wearing a mask during the pandemic?
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