White House On Lockdown
Despite the termination of the national emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic by the federal government, the White House continues to enforce the use of face masks and adherence to social distancing measures for guests who have not been fully vaccinated against the virus.
According to Fox, on Monday, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will be hosting a special event at the White House called “College Athlete Day.” They have extended invitations to numerous NCAA men’s and women’s national championship teams from Divisions I, II, and III. The purpose of this event is to celebrate and honor their remarkable victories.
Fox News Digital recently obtained an email invitation sent by the White House Office of Legislative Affairs to members of Congress. The email requested their presence at the event and provided additional logistical information regarding the gathering. It also outlined the COVID protocols that would be in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.
As per the White House, lawmakers attending the event are not obligated to undergo a COVID test beforehand. However, it is stated that those who are unvaccinated will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing measures. These precautions are in place to prioritize the health and safety of all participants.
In the email that was sent out by the White House it explains: “Masking Guidance: Fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear a mask on the White House grounds. Guests who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least 6 feet distance from others while on the White House grounds.“
The email from the White House Office of Legislative Affairs coincides with the trend observed in hospitals and other healthcare facilities where masking rules are being relaxed. This shift is occurring as COVID-19 becomes less prevalent in the daily lives of most Americans.
Experts have indeed been engaging in discussions regarding the effectiveness of face masks. Recently, a study funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in the respected Cochrane Library analyzed 78 randomized controlled trials. The objective was to examine the impact of “physical interventions,” such as face masks and hand-washing, on reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses.
The study’s lead author has reportedly claimed that the conclusion drawn from the research undermines the scientific foundation supporting the use of masks. It is essential to note that scientific discourse and differing perspectives are a normal part of the research process, and ongoing discussions help refine our understanding of public health measures like mask-wearing.
