In a memo issued on Monday, the White House made the wearing of masks compulsory for its employees, even as many staff members tested positive in recent times. US President Donald Trump also angrily left a press conference after a Chinese origin reporter questioned him on a particular matter.
The memo made it compulsory for staff working in the West Wing which also houses the Capitol Hill to wear masks all the time around. Entry into the West Wing is being discouraged.
Earlier, one of the military advisors of the President and a Media advisor to the US Vice-President Mike Pence had tested positive for the virus. The President is also being tested every-day.
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A White House Spokesperson added: “ In addition to social distancing, daily temperature checks and symptom histories, hand sanitizers, and regular deep cleaning of all workspaces, every staff member in close proximity to the President and Vice-President is being tested daily for COVID-19 as well as any guests”.
President Trump also left the daily press briefing mid-way following to a sharp question posed by one of the Chinese origin reporters.
Weijia Jiang, a reporter with CBS News questioned Trump on the efficiency of increasing testing, especially when people are dying.
“Why is this a global competition to you if everyday Americans are losing their lives and we are seeing more cases?” Jiang asked.
“They are losing their lives everywhere in the world. And maybe that’s a question you should ask China. Don’t ask me that question. Ask China,” Trump shot back.