This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Trump Wears Mask in Public for First Time Amid Growing Calls for Masks ¶
President Trump's decision to wear a mask in public for the first time on Saturday marks a significant shift in his stance on face coverings, which he had previously dismissed as unnecessary.
Mr. Trump wore a dark mask affixed with the presidential seal during a visit to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was surrounded by Secret Service agents and others also wearing masks.
The move comes as the US sees a surge in coronavirus cases, with over 60,000 new cases reported on Saturday. Several states, including Florida and Texas, have seen record-breaking numbers of cases and hospitalizations in recent days.
Florida, in particular, has been hit hard, with over 10,000 new cases reported on Saturday. The state has surpassed 10,000 daily cases five times in the past 10 days, and has seen a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths.
South Carolina, another state that has seen a surge in cases, has announced that it will prohibit the sale of alcohol in all bars and restaurants after 11 p.m. starting Saturday. The move is aimed at reducing transmission among young adults, who make up over 20% of the state's confirmed cases.
Meanwhile, in India, Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan has tested positive for the coronavirus, along with his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. The news has sparked widespread concern, with many Indians taking to social media to express their support for the actor and his family.
Other developments around the world include the Australian government's decision to charge citizens and residents returning from overseas for their mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine, starting July 18.
