Donald Trump wore a face mask for the first time in public during the coronavirus pandemic yesterday - despite previously saying there was need for them.
The US President was pictured wearing the equipment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on Saturday after months of refusing to put one on in public.
During the visit to see wounded service members, Mr Trump insisted he has "never been against masks" but, in April, the world leader said: "I don't think I'm going to be doing it. Wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens - I just don't see it."
Yet, Mr Trump, 74, walked through the Maryland hospital with staff who also had face coverings on too.
He did not make any remarks while walking but, at a press briefing later, Mr Trump said: "I'll probably have a mask if you must know. I'll probably have a mask. I think when you're in a hospital especially in that particular setting, where you are talking to a lot of soldiers, people that in some cases just got off the operating table.
"I think it's a great thing to wear a mask. I've never been against masks but I do believe they have a time and a place."
The President had been advised by his medical officers, since the start of the pandemic, to wear face masks. However, he repeatedly said the virus would "disappear" and missed several warning signs to suggest it would become as severe as it has.
Mr Trump has also ridiculed those who have worn one publicly, like 2020 rival Joe Biden. The White House insists that mask wearing isn't necessary for Mr Trump since he and those around him are tested regularly for Covid-19.
During a May visit to a Ford plant in Michigan, the dad refused to wear a mask in view of the press, because he said he didn't want to give into media criticism and pressure.
