WASHINGTON — President Biden remained maskless Tuesday in front of an 81-year-old vet as he awarded him the Medal of Honor — breaking the COVID-19 rules the White House just said Biden would follow.
Biden, 80 – whose wife Jill tested positive for the deadly virus Monday – removed a black KN-95-style mask during a prayer service for retiring Army Capt. Larry Taylor in the East Room of the White House, before the president’s remarks from a lectern that recounted the heroism of Vietnam War veterans.
Both men are considered to be at high risk for the virus because of their age.
After giving his speech, Biden failed to put his mask back on as he approached Taylor and stood about 6 inches away from her for about four minutes as Taylor’s award citation was read aloud.
The unmasked president then tied the medal around Taylor’s neck before shaking hands and abruptly leaving the room before the closing prayer.
As Biden left, the unmasked president gave the thumbs up when asked about his wife’s health after she tested positive for the virus Monday and was staying at their vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
President Biden initially wore a mask to the ceremony where he presented the Medal of Honor to Vietnam War veteran Capt. Larry Taylor — before taking it off.AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Biden was exposed to first lady Jill Biden who was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on Monday.REUTERS/Leah Millis
The White House said the president himself tested negative on Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Moments before Biden hosted the East Room event, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that Biden would wear a mask indoors to protect the health of others unless speaking.
“Since the president was with the first lady yesterday, he will be wearing a mask while indoors and around people in line with CDC guidance,” Jean-Pierre said. “And as has been the practice in the past, the president will remove his mask when sufficiently distanced from others inside and outside as well.”
Biden presents Taylor with the Medal of Honor. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The White House has said that Biden will follow the COVID-19 protocol after his wife’s positive test.Ron Sachs/CNP via ZUMA Press Wire
Biden shook the 81-year-old veteran’s hand at the event. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Taylor, a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., was honored for leading a helicopter crew to rescue stranded troops in 1968 despite having little fuel and facing enemy fire.
Last summer, Biden survived the coronavirus infection, which involved an initial illness in July followed by a “rebound” case that spanned early August last year.
The first lady’s diagnosis Monday cast doubt on Biden’s planned international trip Thursday to India to attend the G-20 summit, followed by a stop in Vietnam Sept. 10.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
