PoliticoCoronavirus: wear masks inside White House, Donald Trump’s West Wing staff told
- President says he personally issued order, though Trump himself is not expected to observe rule
- Move is part of new measures to keep US president and vice-president safe after two aides tested positive for Covid-19 in past week
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Nancy Cook on politico.com on May 11, 2020.
The White House is dramatically escalating its measures to keep the president and vice-president safe from the coronavirus after two aides tested positive for Covid-19 in the past week.
On Monday, the White House issued a memo that directs staff and anyone else who enters the West Wing to wear a mask or facial covering at all times in the building, except at their own desks.
Additional procedures include daily testing for most West Wing staff and additional teleworking depending on the office, according to two senior administration officials.
Staying two metres (six feet) from others is virtually impossible in the West Wing, with its cramped hallways and stairwells, low ceilings and cubicles, so aides now must keep masks with them at all times.
President Donald Trump said at a press briefing Monday that he personally issued the mask edict, though Trump himself is not expected to follow the requirement.