After President Donald Trump held an Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore â which did not feature social distancing â some Republicans are saying the participants should have adhered to federal guidelines aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
In an interview on NBCâs âMeet The Pressâ on Sunday, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) was asked what kind of example the event set as coronavirus cases are on the rise.
He said, âWhen you look at a national level, I think it is good that we celebrate our independence.â
âI think it inspired many. Obviously, I would like to have seen more face coverings there in order to set an example,â he continued.
When pressed on the lack of social distancing, Hutchinson said, âThere should have been face coverings. They should have followed guidelines there. I know that itâs a controlled environment, so itâs really more about setting example.â
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When asked if he would allow Trump to hold a rally in Arkansas, Hutchinson said, âThere would have to be social distancing, and wearing of masks if you canât social distance. Youâd have to follow our guidelines, and thatâs what weâd insist upon.â
Ahead of the Mount Rushmore event, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said the state would not enforce social distancing, as IJR reported. During an interview on Fox News, she said, âWe told those folks that have concerns that they can stay home.â
âBut those who want to come and join us, weâll be giving out free face masks, if they choose to wear one. But we will not be social distancing,â she added.
While Hutchinson said he would have liked to see more face coverings and the participants following social distancing guidelines, he said, âThere is a virus fatigue in our country right now, and you have to live life. You canât stop every activity.â
âBut you have to be in a controlled environment in which you protect yourself and others and take it seriously,â he added.
