A reporter in the White House press corps pressed President Donald Trump on Sunday on why he has not directed a shutdown of all businesses nationwide, including grocery stores.
“Obviously, we know anyone can spread the disease unwittingly,” EWTN White House correspondent Owen Jensen said. “So, why even have a few businesses open? Why not just shut everything down?”
“There are grocery stores that are open, fast food places,” Jensen continued. “Why even take a little chance? Just shut it all down.”
“We’ll answer that question later,” Trump responded. “All I can say is that right now, things are looking really good and opening up with a bang will be a great thing.”
The Trump administration has implemented social distancing guidelines that it is asking all Americans to follow through the end of the month and most states have closed down non-essential businesses to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus.
WATCH:
Video: As many people have already pointed out on here, a reporter actually asked Trump about shutting down essential businesses like grocery stores. Seriously.
Here that was. pic.twitter.com/Eg4uJ9v52G
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) April 6, 2020
The White House released the following guidelines on March 29 which last till the end of April and has been dubbed “30 Days To Slow The Spread”:
- Listen and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
- If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
- If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.
- If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
- If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
- If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
- Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
- Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
- If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as health care service and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to protect your health at work.
- Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
- Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts — use drive-thru, pick-up or delivery options.
- Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits.
- Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
- Practice good hygiene.
- Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
This report has been updated to include additional information.