Surprisingly, White House Not Likely To Ramp Up Mask Mandates Again
After it was announced on Tuesday that a White House official tested positive for COVID-19, there was reassurance on behalf of the White House that mask mandates, and other coronavirus-inspired regulations, would be not be placed within premises as a response to the new infection.
In adherence to CDC guidelines, the White House will continue to exercise a maskless standard for vaccinated Americans, barring any detection of the virus.
During Wednesday's press briefing, questions regarding the COVID-positive official were presented to Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who stated that the illness was believed to have been contracted away the White House.
"Sure. Well, first, let me confirm that, yesterday, a fully vaccinated White House official tested positive for COVID-19 off campus," said the press secretary. "In accordance with our rigorous COVID-19 protocols, the official remains off campus as they wait for a confirmatory PCR test."
When asked if the White House would reinstate mask mandates, or additional measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, following the positive test, Psaki clarified that current CDC protocols regarding masks would remain as primary guidance for all White House members.
"Well, our protocols are in alignment with the highest standards and the guidance of our public health experts."
As the Delta variant takes over the number of cases in the U.S., aided by its higher likelihood of contagion, talks regarding COVID-19 restrictions have be reintroduced to the public discussion, courtesy of LA County's daft change in direction by disregarding the CDC and bringing back masks for indoor gatherings.
Hoping to avoid the backlash that followed LA County's backtracking, the White House's alignment with CDC guidelines has, thus far, been counter to the growing pressure against Democrats to bring back COVID lockdowns as a result of the Delta mutation.
Earlier this week, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced that children as young as two should be mandated by public health standards to wear masks indoors.
As schools start returning to instruction in the coming month, Americans are sensing that they are approaching a shift toward reinstating 2020 COVID restrictions by end of year. Still pending the dreaded flu season.