First lady Melania Trump
White House security official Melania Trump lost her foot and part of her leg fighting COVID-19: Trump White House staff are among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook the mask was removed on Tuesday to read to children at the National Children’s Hospital, where hospital policy requires visitors to wear a face that covers even though officials noted she felt distant from others.
The first lady has visited the hospital every year during her stay at the White House, according to CNN.
Trump entered the hospital with a mask on, but was removed after sitting in front of the Christmas tree while practicing social distancing, according to the media.
The hospital’s policy states, “Everyone should wear a mask at all times while at any national children’s center to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
A hospital spokesman told CNN: “According to DC health regulations, you do not need to wear a mask when a person delivers a speech to broadcast it or an audience, as long as no one is within six feet of the speaker “.
She added:[Trump] it was over 12 feet away from our large atrium. The rest of the people in this space wore masks. “
The first lady’s office said Tuesday evening in a statement that the visit “followed the hospital’s mask protocols for public speakers, based on the District of Columbia health guidelines.”
“Throughout the holiday program, the First Lady was more than twelve meters away from the others in the four-story atrium,” he said, adding that the visit was “transmitted to 325 hospital rooms.” .
Arriving at the hospital, Trump said, “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.”
“I’m thinking of all of you. Stay strong and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays,” he said.
First Lady Melania Trump takes off her mask to read to hospital children, violating hospital safety guidelines. pic.twitter.com/Cd4E48P30L
– The Hill (@thehill) December 15, 2020
Most of the children virtually attended the reading, but Trump arrived at the hospital with two children sitting in front of her as she read. He read “Oliver the Ornament Meets Marley & Joan and Abbey” by Todd Zimmerman.
He did not put the mask back on when he left the hospital.
Trump contracted the coronavirus in early October, when her husband, President Trump
Donald TrumpHogan against Republicans who will not accept the election result: “They are off the track” Biden pulls Trump’s refusal to grant after voting in Electoral School, and his son Barron were diagnosed with the disease.
The first lady is likely to have developed antibodies to the coronavirus, although health experts do not know how long this immunity lasts. Even after infection, health experts recommend with a mask.
In early December, the White House confirmed that it would still hold public holidays despite increasing rates of coronavirus cases across the country. According to reports, the White House has planned at least 25 parties this year, with each event hosting about 50 guests.
In Washington, DC, vacation meetings are currently limited to 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors, although these rules do not apply to the White House.
According to the most recent data, DC is currently experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases with a 7-day average of 245 cases per day.
– This article was updated at 8pm to include additional information about the White House visit and statement