Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is urging Americans to wear masks to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
During an interview on CNBCâs âSquawk on the Street,â the Kentucky lawmaker discussed the pandemic and what is needed to not only improve public health but also the economy.
McConnell insists he has âbeen promoting mask-wearingâ since May. Now, he is urging the entire country to do so.
âIâve been promoting mask-wearing, weâve been doing it in the Senate since the first of May when we resumed in-person sessions. Itâs the single most significant thing everybody in the country can do to help prevent the spread,â McConnell said on Thursday.
He added, âWear a mask, practice social distancing.â
McConnellâs latest remarks follow his previous statements in support of masks. He made it clear that mask-wearing will be vital until a vaccine is developed.
âThe one thing that each of us can do all across America to help protect ourselves and others is to wear a mask and practice social distancing,â McConnell said. âItâs not going to go away until we have a vaccine.â
See McConnellâs remarks below:
Several states have seen an uptick in coronavirus cases. In fact, the case surges have been so alarming, state and local officials in more than 30 states have enforced mask mandates in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
However, enforcing mandates has proven to be challenging due to the politicization of masks.
But as cases continue to increase across the country, the president also opted to shift his rhetoric as he urged Americans to wear masks. Trump even noted that the pandemic would get âworse before it gets better.â
