In a first, Trump dons a mask in public during COVID-19 pandemic

President Donald Trump wore a mask during a visit to a military hospital on Saturday, first time president has been seen in public with of facial covering recommended by health officials as a precaution against spreing or becoming infected by vel coronavirus.

Trump flew by helicopter to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in suburban Washington to meet wounded service members and health care providers caring for COVID-19 patients. As he left White House, he told reporters: “When you're in a hospital, especially ... I think it's expected to wear a mask.”

Trump was wearing a mask in Walter Reed's hallway as he began his visit. He was t wearing one when he stepped off helicopter at facility.

president was a latecomer to wearing a mask during pandemic, which has rd across U.S. since March and infected more than 3.2 million and killed at least 134,000. Most prominent Republicans, including Vice President Mike Pence, endorsed wearing masks as coronavirus gained ground this summer.