United States President, Donald Trump, has shifted his ground on mask-wearing as COVID-19 cases get worse in America, with the country passing the four million mark on Tuesday night.
President Trump, in his first COVID-19 briefing since April, encouraged Americans on to wear a mask if they cannot maintain social distance from people around them, stressing that the covering will assist in curbing the spread of the virus.
He also told reporters at the White House that the virus will probably get worse before it gets better.
Reports from the U.S on Tuesday stated that the country recorded over 60 coronavirus cases, taking the country’s total to 4,023,043.
The death toll, however, climbed to 144,873, with over 1,000 people reported dead in a 24-hour cycle.
Meanwhile, reports in many states revealed that the infection rate is escalating and President Trump has been reluctant to wear a mask in public.
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He wore one for the first time in public during a recent visit to a military hospital but has otherwise avoided putting one on in front of the press.
As cases rise in states around the country, including in politically important states such as Florida, Texas and Arizona, Trump is shifting his tone to try to get the number of cases under control.
He said:
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.
According to Trump, he was getting used to masks and would wear one himself in groups or when on an elevator.
He further stated:
I will use it, gladly.
Anything that potentially can help… is a good thing.
In the meantime, he urged young Americans to avoid crowded bars where the virus could spread.
