White House Suddenly Institutes Mask Mandates, Social Distancing For Unvaccinated Visitors
According to a leaked email, the White House has begun enforcing a mask mandate and social distancing guidelines for visitors who are unvaccinated or “not fully vaccinated.”
The leaked email obtained by Fox News detailed the requirements made for lawmakers who were invited to the White House to attend “College Athlete Day” on Monday — where athletes from championship college teams from all over the country were also in attendance.
In the email, the White House Office of Legislative Affairs told the lawmakers who would be attending the event that they would be forced to wear masks if they have not received the COVID-19 vaccine. However, COVID tests will not be required to gain entry to the event.
“Masking Guidance: Fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear a mask on the White House grounds,” the email stated. “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 sudden decision to reinstitute these mask mandate and social distancing guidelines comes just a few months after President Joe Biden finally declared an end to the COVID national emergency.
In April, Biden signed a resolution that ended the COVID emergency orders after it was passed in the House.
“The President signed into law: H.J.Res. 7, which terminates the national emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the White House said in a short news release about the decision.
While the timing of the reinstituted mandates at the White House is unusual, Biden has taken a hostile approach to unvaccinated individuals throughout his presidency. In January of last year, he even tried to argue that unvaccinated Americans were responsible for the spread of COVID — despite numerous reports showing that the vaccine did not prevent the spread of the virus.
“So there’s no excuse!” Biden scolded. “No excuse for anyone being unvaccinated. This continues to be a pandemic of the unvaccinated. So we got to make more progress. And for patients who still haven’t gotten your kids vaccinated, please get them vaccinated. Look out for their interests here. It’s the best way to protect them.”
