Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden says that those who downplay the importance of wearing a face mask bear the responsibility if they contract COVID-19.
NBC Newsâ Lester Holt asked the former vice president during Monday nightâs NBC News town hall if he agrees with a poll showing 65% of Americans believe President Donald Trump âbears some responsibility for contracting this virus.â
Biden responded, âAnybody who contracts the virus by essentially saying, âmasks donât matter, social distancing doesnât matter,â I think is responsible for what happens to them.â
The Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden also appeared to point to the presidentâs return to the White House on Monday evening from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
âI hope no one walks away with the message itâs not a problem. Itâs a serious problem,â Biden said.
An ABC News/Ipsos poll released on Sunday also found that 72% of those polled said the president did not take âthe risks seriously enoughâ with COVID-19 and did not take âappropriate precautions regarding his personal health.â
Watch Bidenâs remarks below:
Trump returned to the White House days after he went to Walter Reed on Friday to be treated after he was diagnosed with the coronavirus. However, following his return, he was met with backlash.
The president faced criticism after he removed his mask when he was on the White Houseâs South Portico.
Biden took a swipe at the president as well as he tweeted a video showing Trump taking off his mask while Biden put his mask on. The video read, âMasks matter. They save lives.â
See the video below:
In a video following his return to the White House, Trump said, âDonât let it dominate you. Donât be afraid of it.â
âIâm better, and maybe Iâm immune â I donât know,â he said, adding, âGet out there. Be careful.â
First Lady Melania Trumpâs COVID-19 diagnosis was made known at the same time as the president. She said on Monday that she is âfeeling goodâ and âwill continue to rest at home.â
