Biden removes Covid mask to present award to 81-year-old Vietnamese pilot

President Biden presents retired Army Captain Larry Taylor with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House. Credit: REUTERS/Leah Millis

Joe Biden defied White House Covid guidelines and removed his mask in honor of a Vietnam veteran after close contact with Jill Biden, who tested positive.

The White House said that Mr. Biden will adhere to the recommendations of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). and wear a mask indoors and in close proximity to other people after the first lady's positive result.

«In regards to the steps he has been taking since the President was with the First Lady yesterday, he will be wearing a mask while indoors and around people as directed by the CDC,» spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said during her daily speech at the White House. briefing.

“CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines recommend a combination of mask testing and symptom monitoring. The President does all this in close consultation with his physician. There are currently no updates to the White House Covid-19 protocols,” she added.

But Biden, 80, took off his mask before presenting the Congressional Medal of Honor to 81-year-old Army helicopter pilot Larry Taylor. , on Tuesday.

They then stood face to face and shook hands.

Mr. Biden did not take off his mask for four minutes, standing next to Mr. Taylor, before leaving without replacing her. this.

President Biden donned a black mask at the beginning of the ceremony, but then took it off to speak. Credit: LIA MILLIS/REUTERS

According to the CDC, people exposed to the coronavirus should wear a mask and monitor for symptoms for 10 days. .

Mr. Biden attended Tuesday's Medal of Honor event for less than 15 minutes.

CDC officials used 15 minutes as a rough guideline for how long a random event could last. contact between two people. to spread Covid-19, although the virus may spread in less time.

In the US, Covid-19 hospitalizations are on the rise from around 6,000 per week in early summer. to more than 15,000 in the week of Aug. 19.

Mr. Biden last wore a mask in the summer of 2022, after he and the First Lady tested positive.

The President has to leave for the USA. G-20 summit in India on Thursday, followed by a visit to Vietnam.

He will continue to be tested on a «regular basis» according to the White House, and all travelers will be screened before travel. .