WH Nixed Plan To Mail Five Masks To Every Household

The Washington Post reports:

At one point in April, USPS leaders drafted a news release announcing plans to distribute 650 million masks nationwide, enough to offer five face coverings to every American household. The document, which includes quotations from top USPS officials and other specifics, was never sent.

Before the news release was sent, however, the White House nixed the plan, according to senior administration officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share internal deliberation.

“There was concern from some in the White House Domestic Policy Council and the office of the vice president that households receiving masks might create concern or panic,” one administration official said in response to the scrapped mask plan.

The USPS had a plan to send 5 reusable facemarks to every household in early April. Even had a press release ready.

The White House blocked the plan.

“There was concern…that households receiving masks might create concern or panic.” https://t.co/pYABjdzTCM pic.twitter.com/v4BLKRMPOc

— Don Moynihan (@donmoyn) September 17, 2020