Trump admits corona pandemic will get worse before it gets better
US President Donald Trump has warned that COVID-19 may “get worse before it gets better”, as he revived his virus briefings with a more scripted tone. Mr. Trump also urged all Americans to wear face masks saying “they will have an effect” and show “patriotism”. The President who appeared in the briefing without a mask has previously belittled the face covering as infective and unsanitary. His team has advised him to adopt a more measured approach as number of cases across the country are seeing an upward trend. The daily WH news conferences ended soon after Trump in April carefreely suggested that the curve may be flattened by treating patients by giving them a jab of disinfectant.
In his first briefing on pandemic for months on Tuesday, a less nonchalant President suggested what public health officials and his aides in Whit House were already fearing: “it will probably unfortunately get worse before it gets better.”
“Something I don’t’ like saying about things, but that’s the way it is,” the president added.
“We are 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 will have an effect and we need everything we can get.”
The Republican President who on multiple occasions described novel coronavirus as “Chinese virus” and “Kungflu” took a mask from his pocket during the briefing but did not bother to put it on face. Ahead of elections or parallel with it is the Presidential election where the Republican is facing an uphill task in November as he would lock horns with Democratic challenger, Joe Biden according to opinion polls.
Mr. Biden on Tuesday lambasted Mr. Trump of having failed Americans in his handling of the outbreak. “He has quit on you, he has quit on this country,” the former US vice-president said.
Trump who though, after a long-time stick to the script of the meeting but was reluctant to use the face-covering. He also appeared without the medical experts who used to assist the Republican during briefings. He kept his remarks concise and favored the brevity to avoid exchanging blows with the unhappy reporters and press who would show up with a few questions.
He continued: “We’re asking Americans to use masks, socially distance and employ vigorous hygiene – wash your hands every chance you get, while sheltering high risk populations.
“We are imploring young Americans to avoid packed bars and other crowded indoor gatherings. Be safe and be smart.”
Trump has previously rejected the wearing of masks in public and said that those who wear mask just pursue this fashion to record political opposition against him. However, he was pictured donning a face mask while visiting a military hospital of late.
A reporter also asked President Trump about the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite who is facing the charges of sex-trafficking of minors for her ex-boyfriend, Jeffrey Epstein.
The president responded: “I haven’t really been following it too much. I just wish her well, frankly. I’ve met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach [Florida], and I guess they lived in Palm Beach.”
“I don’t know the situation with Prince Andrew,” added Trump, mentioning the British royal who denies claims he had sex with a teenage girl who says she was trafficked by Epstein.
