White House requires West Wing staff to wear masks

Shealah Craighead/WH

The White House Management Office has required that staff in the West Wing wear masks or facial coverings in a memo sent Monday, ABC News reports.

ABC says that staff are directed to wear a mask when they enter the West Wing, obey by social distancing guidelines when possible, and they are only allowed to not wear a mask when at their own desk. The article also reports that the White House will provide masks to those needed.

"The CDC continues to encourage the use of facial coverings when social distancing is not an option. As an additional layer of protection, we are requiring everyone who enters the West Wing to wear a mask or facial covering," the letter said. "Unless you absolutely need to conduct in-person business in the West Wing, we respectfully ask you to avoid unnecessary visits."

The requirement comes after two White House staff members, Pence’s Press Secretary, Katie Miller, and a White House valet tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

During a press briefing Monday afternoon President Donald Trump was asked whether he was the one who required it. “Yeah I did, I was the one who required it” he said.
                       
This article was last updated on May 11, 2020 at 4:51 PM ET