President Joe Biden received criticism after he was seen walking outside with a mask on.
On Tuesday, C-SPAN released footage of the president taking his dog for a walk on a beach in Delaware. He was wearing a mask and appeared to be distanced from others.
Biden is wearing a mask, outdoors, surrounded by nobody ? pic.twitter.com/ZlxAg0eUM7
— Jake Schneider (@jacobkschneider) December 29, 2021
Some took to Twitter to question Biden’s decision.
Why is Joe Biden wearing an N-95 mask alone on the beach, especially after Psaki wouldn't answer directly if he was covid negative. I don't feel like these are unreasonable questions.
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) December 29, 2021
Biden wearing the mask on the beach reminds me of the famous description of Nixon on the beach in San Clemente, wearing his business suit and dress shoes. https://t.co/IosNxTCVI5
— Mike (@Doranimated) December 29, 2021
Dr. Biden is not wearing a mask but President Biden is wearing a mask outside, walking on the beach, while on another long vacation in Delaware. https://t.co/MjR1Gzz2ot
— PARIS (@PARISDENNARD) December 29, 2021
In September, Biden received a COVID-19 booster shot.
“Like I did in my first and second COVID-19 vaccination shot, I’m about to get my booster shot and do it publicly,” he said at the time.
Biden added, “That’s because the Food and Drug Administration — the FDA — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — the CDC — looked at all the data, completed their review and determined that boosters for the Pfizer vaccine, others will come later, maybe, I assume, but the Pfizer vaccine, are safe and effective.”
The first lady also received the booster shot.
According to guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks “may not be necessary when you are outside by yourself away from others.”
Still, the CDC noted, “Some areas may have mask mandates while out in public, so please check the rules in your local area (such as in your city, county, or state). Additionally, check whether any federal mask mandates apply to where you will be going.”
The criticism comes amid the country’s battle to combat the omicron variant of Covid-19.
Before a meeting with governors, Biden said, “There is no federal solution. This gets solved at a state level.”
The president told governors if they “need something, say something,” adding, “We’re going to have your back any way we can.”