Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris shared her thoughts about the idea of a national mask mandate being implemented to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
On Friday, Harris appeared on “The Today Show” where she was asked about the possibility of a national mask mandate being enforced if she and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden are elected in November.
Harris acknowledged that she is aware of the fact that no one is a fan of mask wearing. However, she also stressed why the sacrifice is still important in the midst of the pandemic.
“It’s a standard. I mean, nobody’s going to be punished,” Harris said.
“Nobody likes to wear a mask. This is a universal feeling, right? … The point is this is: What we, as responsible people who love our neighbors, we have to just do that right now. God willing, it won’t be forever. But this is a sacrifice we have to make.”
See Harris’ remarks below:
Watch @KamalaHarris' full interview with @CraigMelvin. pic.twitter.com/RLNBUpx0Rp
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 28, 2020
Harris’ latest remarks come months after repeated calls for a national strategy and federal mask mandate to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
For months, President Donald Trump also refused to wear a mask as he repeatedly downplayed the effectiveness of them. On multiple occassions, the president stressed that mask-wearing was a voluntary
“So with the masks, it’s going to be, really, a voluntary thing. You can do it. You don’t have to do it, “Trump said, adding, “I’m choosing not to do it, but some people may want to do it, and that’s okay. It may be good. Probably will. They’re making a recommendation. It’s only a recommendation. It’s voluntary.:
It wasn’t until the summer months when coronavirus cases surged in several states that Trump encouraged Americans to wear masks.
During a press briefing, the president addressed the surge in confirmed cases and made it clear that masks “have an impact” regardless of whether people like them or not.
“Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact,” Mr. Trump said in July. He also admitted that he would “use it gladly, no problem with it.”
While the president claimed an effective vaccine was in development, he also admitted the pandemic would likely “get worse before it gets better.”
As of Friday morning, the United States has surpassed 6 million confirmed cases. The death toll is now approaching 190,000.