The first lady arrived at the main atrium of the hospital with a mask. When he sat down in front of a tree, he took off his mask. Although he practiced social distancing, the hospital’s policy specifically requires all visitors to wear a mask.
This includes “wearing a mask when accessing any national children’s building, as ordered by area officials. This includes all public places, such as the hallway and cafeteria” and “wearing a mask at all times when is on the side of other people “.
The first lady’s office did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment on why the first lady took off her mask and whether she obtained special permission to do so.
Children’s national spokeswoman Diana Troese cited Washington, DC health regulations, but not hospital policy, in response to a request for comment.
“Our number one priority at National Children’s Hospital is the safety of our patients, families and employees. Under DC Health regulations, it is not mandatory to wear a mask when a person delivers a speech to spread it or an audience, as long as no one is within six feet of the speaker, ”he said.
“In the case of today’s visit that was transmitted to our 325 patients, while the First Lady took off her mask while reading a story, she was more than 12 feet from the others in our large atrium. All the others people from that space were with the rest of their visit, wearing a mask, ”Troese added.
But health experts say it’s still unclear how long the antibodies offer protection and recommend wearing a mask.
“Even though the president himself was infected and has likely antibodies that would probably be protective, we’re not sure how long that protection will last,” Dr. Anthony Fauci told ABC News on Tuesday.
The event was significantly reduced compared to previous visits. Most of the children watched the reading from a live broadcast, but Trump arrived with Riley Whitney, 6, and Sophia Martinez, 8, who were sitting on the floor in front of her as she read.
The rest of the attendees, including some key members of the hospital management, wore masks, with some with face or eye protectors.
“It’s wonderful to be here. This is one of my favorite events during the holidays and I’m very excited and want to read a book,” he said when he arrived.
“I’m thinking of all of you. Stay strong and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,” he said before reading a children’s book, “Oliver the Ornament Meets Marley & Joan and Abbey.”
Trump kept the mask off as he appeared on Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
Later Tuesday, he participated in a festive-themed bingo game. He stood on a podium in a studio shouting numbers into a microphone, practicing social distancing again, but keeping the mask on all the time.