WASHINGTON — Vice-President Mike Pence says he was wrong not to wear a mask while visiting the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota last week.
In a Fox News town hall, Pence said he didn’t feel he had to wear a mask since he is tested regularly for coronavirus and so far all those tests have come back negative. He later wore a mask during a visit to the GM plant in Kokomo where they are building ventilators.
“From early on the CDC has made it clear that you wear a mask to prevent you from conveying the coronavirus,” Pence said. “Since the president and I are in unique positions we’re tested often. I should’ve worn a mask.”
Pence drew the ire of many critics, especially on social media for not wearing a mask at the Mayo Clinic. Second lady Karen Pence said last week the vice-president didn’t wear a mask because he was not informed of the Mayo Clinic’s policy beforehand.
The Mayo Clinic said they informed Pence’s office about the policy before his visit.
Without commenting further on the matter Pence then used the opportunity to praise the American people during the pandemic.
“I just have to tell you, I couldn’t be more grateful to see the way the American people respond,” he continued. “First, the president called for 15 days to slow the spread, then 30 days to slow the spread.”
