McEnany: Masks Not Required in West Wing, But Encouraged

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• West Wing staffers are encouraged to wear facial coverings but no longer required, according to White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
• The protocol goes against the government’s own health officials’ recommendations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that recommends wearing face coverings, citing studies that it greatly reduces the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
• Loosening the previous protocols might cause a risk of resurgence but officials say that the building is sanitized more frequently and the President and other officials who meet regularly are tested every day.

When two White House staffers got infected with the Coronavirus mid-May, a White House memo required staffers to wear masks especially when social distancing is not possible or when they are away from their desks.

The staffers— Vice President Pence’s communications director, Katie Miller, and a military member who serves as one of President Trump’s personal valets, tested positive for the COVID-19.

The May 11 memo stated, “As an additional layer of protection, we are requiring everyone who enters the West Wing to wear a mask or facial covering.”

Now, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany confirms that the policy has changed. “Masks are recommended but not required around the West Wing.”

Although it contradicts with the advice of the government’s own health officials, measures to help prevent the spread of the virus in the White House are being done.  President Trump, Pence and officials who meet with them regularly are being tested daily for the virus instead of weekly and the building is deep-cleaned more frequently.

In April, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encouraged Americans to wear masks or face coverings as studies show that it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of transmission especially if in public and social distancing is not possible. It could also prevent resurgence of the virus, according to a new study published by University of Cambridge researchers.  This came as business establishments and other countries have now been easing out on restrictions thus the threat of resurgence.

This weekend, the President will have a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma and campaign staff are planning to hand out masks to attendees.  They may not be required to wear the masks but will be encouraged to do so.

Source: The Hill