Trump: The CDC Now Recommends Public Wear Face Masks, It’s Voluntary But “I Don’t Think I’ll Be Doing It”

USA Today reports:

The Trump administration is advising people to start wearing face masks in public to stop the spread of the coronavirus, a reversal on previous guidance that urged people not to wear masks.

President Donald Trump said at a White House news conference Friday that the CDC  guidelines are strictly voluntary. “You can do it – you don’t have to do it. It’s only a recommendation.” Trump repeatedly stressed it is voluntary. “I don’t think I’m going to be doing it,” he said.

Trump stressed that the CDC is not calling for Americans wear medical-grade masks. Medical protective gear must be preserved for health care officials who are on the front lines treating coronavirus patients, he said.

President Trump announces the CDC recommendation that Americans voluntarily wear non-medical face masks in public after weeks of saying they shouldn’t https://t.co/LeX7PXjdOg

— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) April 3, 2020

President Trump says the CDC is officially recommending Americans wear simple cloth masks in public, though this is only voluntary — and he says he won’t be doing it https://t.co/b9FtmY5sM4 pic.twitter.com/ZX5W6IWcxA

— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 3, 2020