White House hosted Covid-19 'superspreader' event, says Dr Anthony Fauci

Top doctor Anthony Fauci, flanked by US President Donald Trump
AFP via Getty Images
April Roach @aprilroach2810 October 2020

A top US virus expert has criticised the White House for hosting a coronavirus "superspreader" event that saw a number of Donald Trump's aides and allies test positive for Covid-19.

At least 11 people who attended the unveiling of Mr Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court on September 26, have tested positive for the virus.

The US President is still recovering after he tested positive for coronavirus on October 1.

When asked by CBS News whether masks were effective in slowing the spread of Covid-19, Anthony Fauci said: "I think the data speaks for themselves.

"We had a superspreader event in the White House and it was in a situation where people were crowded together and were not wearing masks. So the data speak for themselves."

Guests who attended the White House event in the Rose garden were seen without protective face masks as they hugged fellow politicians. Attendees were also not sat two metres apart.

Among those who later tested positive for Covid-19 after attending the event were First Lady Melania Trump two senators, the White House press secretary and former presidential counsellor Kellyanne Conway.

Attendees did not wear face masks at the event in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington
SplashNews.com

Despite continuing questions around Mr Trump's health the president is set to hold a rally at the White House on Saturday as he aims to get back on the campaign trail.

Mr Trump has yet to be certified as virus-free by his medical team, but he has been cleared to resume public engagements as of this weekend.

A source familiar with the planning for the White House event said attendees were all expected to wear masks. People at the Florida rally expected to take place on Monday will be given a temperature check, masks that they will be encouraged to wear and access to hand sanitiser, the campaign said.

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