Vice President Mike Pence is defending his decision to not wear a face mask, insisting he has tested negative for coronavirus. Video of him visiting Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic and being the only one in the entire building not wearing a face mask went viral, as did massive nationwide criticism. Pence also ignored social distancing guidelines, but managed to give the “thumbs up”sign (photo) as he left.
“As vice president of the United States, I’m tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis, and everyone who is around me is tested for the coronavirus,” Pence told reporters on why he ignored CDC guidelines, The Washington Post reports.
“Since I don’t have the coronavirus, I thought it’d be a good opportunity for me to be here, to be able to speak to these researchers these incredible health-care personnel and look them in the eye and say thank you,” Pence added.
That may or may not be true. The President and Vice President reportedly are tested once a week, but that does not mean he could not have been infected after being tested. Asymptomatic spread is a hallmark of this virus.
Pence also created a public relations nightmare for the Mayo Clinic. Initially, the renowned medical research facility posted a tweet saying it had informed the Vice President its policy is that everyone must wear a mask. It later deleted that tweet, and instead posted one thanking Pence for visiting. Both have created outrage, with many insisting the Vice President should not have been allowed to enter without wearing a mask.
Many have expressed outrage.
MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace blasted Pence as a “mask truther” and “the kind of human being that repels me” in the supermarket.
Reporter Brian Karem’s remarks sum up what many are saying and thinking: