US President Donald Trump has vowed not to order Americans to wear masks to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
His comments came after the country’s chief infectious disease specialist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, urged state and local government leaders to “force as hard as possible” people to wear masks.
Dr. Fauci added that wearing face covers is “very important” and “we have to use them, everyone.”
Face coverings have become highly politicized in the United States.
Most state governors have now ordered masks to be worn outdoors instead of voluntarily. Among them are Republican governors, including Kay Ivey of Alabama, who have reversed their original opposition to mandates.