Daily US Times: President Donald Trump has warned the United States pandemic may “get worse before it gets better”, as he revived his virus briefings with a more scripted tone.
The president also asked all Americans to wear face coverings, saying “they’ll have an effect” and show “patriotism”.
Mr Trump, who was not wearing a mask at the briefing, has previously disparaged them as unsanitary.
His aides have reportedly pressed him to adopt a more measured approach as coronavirus caseloads spike across the country.
The daily White House news conferences about coronavirus updates ended soon after Mr Trump suggested in April during freewheeling remarks from the podium that the virus might be treated by injecting disinfectant into people.
On Tuesday, he made his first White House coronavirus briefing for months and echoed what public health officials on his pandemic task force have been saying as he warned: “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,” Mr Trump added.
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.”
Mr Trump took a mask from his pocket in the briefing room but did not put it on.
The president – who more than once referred to Covid-19 as the “China virus” – is facing an uphill climb to re-election in November against Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, according to opinion polls.
Mr Biden on Tuesday accused Mr Trump of having failed Americans in his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The former US vice-president said: “He’s quit on you, he’s quit on this country.”
On Tuesday’s briefing, Mr Trump appeared without the medical experts who used to address the press conference. He kept his remarks focused and brief, avoiding sparring with reporters who asked a few questions.
“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,” He continued.
“We are imploring young Americans to avoid packed bars and other crowded indoor gatherings. Be safe and be smart.”
Mr Trump has been reluctant for months to wear a mask himself in front of the media, claiming that some people only wore facemasks as a political statement against him. He was pictured recently wearing a mask for the first time as he visited a military hospital.
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