Jared Kushner and Adm. Brett Giroir, the federal official overseeing testing, wear masks at the White House during President Trump's news conference Monday afternoon. Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
More than a month after recommending Americans wear face masks in public, the White House is taking its own advice.
Why it matters: Not even the West Wing — which now tests people once a day to prevent President Trump from exposure — is immune to this contagion.
- "The request does not apply to offices, however, and President Trump is still unlikely to wear a mask or face covering, aides say. Vice President Pence was spotted on the grounds of the White House on Monday without a mask, and it is unclear if aides will wear masks in the Oval Office." (WashPost)
Between the lines: The White House memo describes masks as "an additional layer of protection." Few in the West Wing had been wearing masks.
- In an interview for "Axios on HBO" that airs tonight at 11 p.m. ET/PT, Pence said the administration would be listening to the White House doctor on the issue. See a clip.
The big picture: A growing cadre of those running the coronavirus response are now doing their jobs from quarantine.
- Three top health officials are in self-isolation, including Anthony Fauci, CDC director Robert Redfield and FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn — after coming into contact with people who may have been exposed.
- So is Sen. Lamar Alexander, who will remotely chair a hearing this week with Fauci, Redfield and Hahn.
- Pence's press secretary, Katie Miller, who is married to Trump aide Stephen Miller, tested positive last week.
- One of Trump's valets also tested positive a day prior.