Melania Trump defends removing mask during children’s hospital visit

Ms Trump arrived wearing a mask and the White House say she wore one when she was not socially distanced from others

Credit: Jacquelyn Martin /AP

In response to the incident, the White House said that Ms Trump “followed the hospital’s mask protocols for public speakers, based on the District of Columbia health guidance, that wearing a mask is not required when a person is giving a speech for broadcast or an audience, provided no one is within six feet of the speaker.” 

“Throughout the holiday program, the First Lady was more than twelve feet away from others in the four-story atrium. Today’s visit, broadcast to 325 inpatient hospital rooms, followed these guidelines,” it continued.

The First Lady removed her mask while reading to a group of children at the Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC 

Credit: JACQUELYN MARTIN /AFP

During the visit, the First Lady read Oliver the Ornament Meets Marley & Joan and Abbey by author Todd Zimmerman, a children’s book about Christmas ornaments.

Ms Trump was herself diagnosed with Covid-19 around the same time as her husband in October. However, due to a lack of understanding around antibody lifespan and efficacy, scientists recommend that everyone continues to wear a mask to prevent the spread of infection.