President Donald Trump urges Americans to wear a mask in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. During a speech at the White House this week, the President addressed the ongoing issue.
The official Twitter account for the White House tweeted a clip from President Trump’s statements. At the beginning of the video, the President speaks on those most vulnerable to the virus. “The median age of those who succumb to the China Virus is 78 years old. Roughly half of all deaths have been individuals in nursing homes or long-term care.”
He continued by saying that a high percentage of those that died from the virus had pre-existing health issues. “In one study, 90% of those hospitalized had underlying medical conditions whether it’s heart or diabetes,” he said. “But usually, it’s some kind of a condition. It seems that people have that and if they do it’s a problem. No question about it.”
According to President Trump, the virus doesn’t impact all age groups as deeply. “Young adults may have mild or even no symptoms,” he said. “They won’t even know they’re sick. They won’t have any idea that they have a virus.”
In conclusion, the President asked that everyone wear a mask and keep their distance. “America’s youth will act responsibly and we’re asking everybody that when you are not able to socially distance, wear a mask. Get a mask. Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact. They’ll have an effect and we need everything we can get,” he said.
Twitter Reacts to Donald Trump Asking Americans to Wear Masks
The speech garnered a mixed response from social media users. Some voiced their opposing views on the effectiveness of masks.
“@RealDonaldTrump should demand his experts produce to him the science behind their new recommendation,” Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, writes. “Because there is no science to support wearing masks outside of healthcare setting. His team (Drs. Fauci/Adams) first said masks don’t work. What changed? Not the science.”
Others expressed that the comments were too little too late. “Only 4 months late, sagging economy as COVID19 spikes, 4,000,000 infected and 142,000 dead Americans later,” one user wrote.
In addition to President Donald Trump, the CDC currently recommends that everyone wear masks. CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield speaks on masks on the organization’s website. “We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” Dr. Redfield says. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
