Biden Inconsistent On Covid Masking During Ceremony
The AP notes while President Joe Biden turned up to a ceremony for an elderly Vietnam veteran wearing a mask a day after Jill Biden tested positive for covid, he ditched it and then the two shared a "hearty handshake." Meanwhile, Newsweek reports that Republicans are declaring "war" on mask rules.
AP:
To Mask Or Not To Mask? Biden Goes Both Ways After First Lady Tests Positive For COVID-19
President Joe Biden turned up in a mask for the first time in months on Tuesday, a day after his wife tested positive for COVID-19. But the president quickly ditched it during a ceremony honoring an 81-year-old Vietnam veteran, and the two unmasked octogenarians shared a hearty handshake before they parted. The White House had said earlier that Biden, who had tested negative for the virus earlier in the day, would wear a mask indoors, but that he might remove it when standing at a distance from others. (Long, 9/5)
The Hill:
Biden Tests Negative For COVID-19 On Tuesday, Will Mask Around Others
The president was tested for the virus Monday and again Tuesday, and he tested negative both days. He is not experiencing any symptoms, Jean-Pierre said. (Samuels, 9/5)
Newsweek:
Republicans Declare War On Mask Mandates
Citing arguments that masks didn't work to slow the spread of the virus during COVID—which most studies contest—Ohio Republican Senator JD Vance announced plans September 5 to introduce the Freedom to Breathe Act, which would permanently prevent the federal government from reimposing federal mask mandates in the United States. (Reynolds, 9/5)
Fortune:
Fauci ‘Concerned’ People Won’t Mask Up Again As COVID Cases, Hospitalizations, And Deaths Continue To Rise In The U.S.
He ruled out mask mandates, but urged Americans to consider masking if COVID cases surge. (Taylor, 9/4)
Masks are returning to some schools —
WROC:
New York State Sending Masks, COVID-19 Tests To Schools For Start Of Classes
New York State is sending masks and COVID-19 rapid tests to school districts that request them for the start of the 2023-24 school year. According to a release sent by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office Tuesday, the state will conduct an outreach survey this week to determine which districts and organizations need masks and test kits. The supplies will then be delivered to the districts for distribution. (Battaglia, 9/5)
WTOP:
1 Class Required To Wear Masks After COVID Outbreak In Maryland School
Students and staff in one class at a public school in Montgomery County, Maryland, are being told that they must wear masks for the next 10 days after three “or more” people tested positive for COVID-19. (Ryan, 9/6)
Axios:
Covid Surge In Schools Are Leading To Widespread Absences
A late summer COVID surge is prompting some school districts to reinstate safety measures, as they try to protect student and teacher health without risking further disruptions to learning. Widespread school closings are a non-starter, and officials in red and blue states also insist broad mask mandates won't return. But, in a flashback to the dark days of the pandemic, some districts in consultation with local health officials have reinstated limited masking and other precautions as COVID cases and hospitalizations rise. (Bettelheim and Goldman, 9/6)
